In my master's thesis, I research the mental distress of health workers during the covid - 19 epidemic in the General Hospital Dr. Jožeta Potrča Ptuj. In the theoretical part, I present mental health at the workplace, mental distress, stress, burnout and satisfaction at the workplace, as well as psychosocial support for employees due to overwork and stress. I also present the covid - 19 pandemic and its impact on the mental health of employees, as well as forms of support for healthcare employees during the covid - 19 pandemic and the role of social work in crisis situations. In a qualitative research, I conducted an interview with 12 professional colleagues at the General Hospital Dr. Jožeta Potrča Ptuj. The purpose of the research is to determine the differences between people's understanding of needs and appropriate responses to them. The results showed that working during the epidemic affected the employees. The work was tiring and stressful, but it also brought challenges and problems. But they did not face fear for their lives, nor did they feel excluded, stigmatized. They decided to work with covid patients themselves or together with the superior. They were most distressed by facing death, fatigue or lack of sleep, as well as helplessness when they could not help the patient. Working during the epidemic had noticeable effects on the mental health of healthcare workers. They helped themselves to cope with hardships by talking to relatives, friends and colleagues. During the epidemic, the employer did not offer preventive counseling regarding coping with mental distress, half of them did not receive any support and help from the employer in case of mental distress, the others did not need it. Management did not listen to employees with mental distress. Regarding the organization of work during the epidemic, the employees wanted more personnel. I suggest that the staff gets strengthened and that help gets organized for employees in case the epidemic comes again.
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