Mental Health and Self Care While on Assignment

November 27, 2019

GUEST: Julia Hebenstreit, Executive Director, The Kim Foundation

GUEST BIO:
Julia Hebenstreit is the Executive Director of The Kim Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Julia received her Juris Doctorate from Creighton University and her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked in the non-profit sector in development, strategic planning, communications, and advancement. She serves as President of the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations, as the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Hill Day State Captain, and as an active member of the Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition, Metro Area Suicide Coalition, Connections Advisory Committee, RESPECT Advisory Board, and Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska’s Advisory Committee.

EPISODE SUMMARY:
Healthcare professionals are charged with taking care of others. It’s your life’s work and your purpose. At the same time, giving so fully of yourself each day can lead to stress and burnout at varying levels. The nature of a travel career - being away from home and your support system – can potentially compound other issues you may already be coping with. So often those practicing in healthcare are the most reluctant to practice self-care. But it’s critical to do so. We’re joined by Julia Hebenstreit of The Kim Foundation for a heart to heart talk about mental health, the importance of caring for oneself, and how best to do so while on a travel assignment.

• Travel healthcare and mental health
• Real issues faced by travelers and when to reach out
• Signs to look for in yourself and in others that may signify the need for self-care or additional resources and support
• Stigma surrounding mental health and what’s important to know
• Establishing a wellness plan and identifying self-care practices
• Self-care steps to follow when preparing for a travel assignment
• Examples of health coping mechanisms

EPISODE RESOURCES:

The Kim Foundation
Website: https://www.thekimfoundation.org
Links to national resources: https://www.thekimfoundation.org/local-national-resources/

Non-profit foundation based in Nebraska dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Resources relating to mental health as well as links to national organizations and hotline information are available on the site.

13-Minutes
Website: https://www.13minutes.org/

Public awareness campaign focused on suicide prevention. Includes information about warning signs, steps to starting a conversation with a loved one or someone you know, national resources, and hotlines.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: (800) 273.TALK (8255)

A 24-hour lifeline open seven days a week, each day of the year. Call centers are located across the country. Counselors are available and are able to share information about services located in your area. Calls are confidential and free of charge.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Website: https://www.thehotline.org
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Provides resources and assistance to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Trained advocates are available 24/7/365 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

Full transcription