As they continue to work the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak, clinicians are having to cope with the physical and emotional toll brought on by the pandemic. While the country works to slow the spread of the infection, it's vital we prioritize the mental well-being of those selflessly serving the communities during these unprecedented times.
Mental Illness the Invisible Pandemic
Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the mental well-being of healthcare professionals was at risk. According to Medscape's National Physician Burnout, Depression & Suicide Report of 2019:
44% of physicians reported feeling burnout. Burnout is characterized as unresolvable stress related to the job. It often leads to stress and a detachment from the job
11% reported feeling colloquially depressed. Colloquial depression refers to feeling down or sad for a period of time
4% reported being clinically depressed. Clinical depression is a prolonged period of severe depression that is not caused be a grief-associated event
This study was conducted well before the onset of COVID-19 and only accounted for physicians' regular work load. Imagine these numbers in a post COVID-19 world. Physicians are now surrounded by the critically ill, suffering from a shortage of medical supplies and staff, and they're dealing with the fear of spreading the illness to their families. This crisis will exacerbate the existing mental health problems in the healthcare sector.
How to Take Care of Yourself
Just as we can flatten the curve for the spread of COVID-19 through social-distancing, there are easy steps you can take to safeguard your mental health. Use the strategies listed below to help cope with your stress:
Cover Your Bases
Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water
Stay active with regular exercise
Get proper sleep and take breaks as needed
Avoid Unhealthy Coping Strategies
Limit alcohol consumption
Avoid using tobacco or other drugs
Stay Connected
Express fears/concerns with those close to you
Maintain important long-distance relationships with technology
Continue to check-in on your colleagues and patients
Stay Informed but Don't Over Indulge
Rely only on reputable sources for necessary updates regarding COVID-19
Avoid over-exposure to 24/7 news reporting as that can magnify your anxiety
Acknowledgement
Recognize your emotions and allow yourself to cope appropriately
Be supportive of your team and staff
Remember and take pride that you have a noble calling and your work is valued
For more tips and information please visit any of the links below:
If symptoms of depression persist for more than 2-3 weeks and interferes with your job and personal life, you should seek professional mental health treatment.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the national suicide prevention lifeline at
1 (800) 273-8255