Stress Awareness Month is an annual event observed every April since 1992, dedicated to increasing public awareness about the causes and cures of stress. More than 50% of dentists have considered leaving the profession due to burnout and 86% of the dental community report high stress¹ so it is vital that the dental community takes the effects of stress seriously.
The aims of the month are to:
- Educate the public about the causes and effects of stress
- Promote effective stress management techniques to enhance mental health and wellbeing
- Encourage open conversations to reduce the stigma surrounding stress and mental health issues
- Provide resources and support to help individuals and organisations manage stress effectively
This Year’s Theme is #LeadWithLove and is intended to be a powerful call to action rooted in the principles of Unconditional Positive Regard. This theme encourages us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance, no matter the challenges we face.
Co-founder of the BREATHE dental wellbeing platform, Rana Al-Falaki, said, “chronic stress can affect every area of our lives – mental health, physical wellbeing, relationships, career success and financial decisions. A stressed and unhappy dental team is not an effective team and this has a real effect on the bottom line. That is why the BREATHE platform was created for the entire oral health community, providing a free, one-stop hub for expert guidance, support, and resources.”
Rana has recently been sharing her expertise and handy tips across a wide range of BBC Radio stations to mark Stress Awareness Month:
- BBC Radio 3 Counties: Tackling Stress In Dentistry with Dr Rana Al-Falaki
- BBC Radio Manchester: Tackling Stress In Dentistry with Dr Rana Al-Falaki
- BBC Radio London: Tackling Stress In Dentistry with Dr Rana Al-Falaki
Rana continued, “If I could give two bits of advice to anyone involved in the dental industry who may be struggling with stress and wellbeing, it would be firstly, let’s remove the stigma associated with mental health. And, if you feel like stress is dragging you away like a river, feeling out of control, find that rock that is in the river. There are always elements that we can control – our mindset, attitudes, relationships – focus and grab on to them and then work from there.”
To find out more, visit https://www.breathedentalwellness.org/
Reference:
¹ https://www.carequest.org/system/files/CareQuest_Institute_Burnout-Among-Dental-Professionals_8.3.22.pdf
