Invisible Consequences Of COVID-19: Anxiety And Depression In Healthcare Workers
Psychotherapy consultations are increasingly filling up with clients who, since the beginning of the pandemic, feel that they are in depressed or anxious states.
The enormous change in routines at home and at work, the lack of social contact, restrictions on mobility and access to leisure and health services… These are triggers for our nervous and emotional systems to be affected if we do not We have mechanisms or strategies that help us alleviate these drastic changes in our lives.
Logically In the case of health workers and help personnel who are on the front line and in contact with COVID patients and patients, these feelings of anguish, sadness or fear coexist with them every day.
The psychological exhaustion of healthcare workers in the COVID-19 crisis
A study published in the Spanish Journal of Public Health revealed that medium-high levels of anxiety (26.5%- 44.6%), depression (8.1%-25%), worry and insomnia (23.6%-38%), and stress levels (3 .8%-68.3%) in healthcare population.
All these emotional responses are expected in a global pandemic situation, they are fine and must be legitimized, the unexpected thing would be if they had had no effect on our healthcare workers, on us and on our lives.
Let’s see what the most common symptoms are that in these situations could cause an alarm and propose some psychological first aid tips that can serve to reduce the feeling of discomfort in the daily life of those people who are on the front lines of the pandemic. .
On a physical level, symptoms of fatigue, tiredness, sleeping difficulties, headaches, changes in eating habits, and digestive discomfort appear.
On an emotional level irritability, anxiety, feelings of guilt and helplessness, aggressiveness, pessimism and being defensive are emotional symptoms that could appear, too.
At the cognitive level there is usually difficulties concentrating on tasks and small gaps in memory.
And finally, at a social level there are also difficulties in relationships and/or communication with co-workers and friends and family.
How to combat the symptoms?
These are several general tips to deal with the psychological alterations linked to working with sick people in a pandemic context.
1. Let go of dysfunctional beliefs
Stop assuming certain irrational beliefs about the role of caregiver, such as that the one who cares is always okay. you have unlimited abilities to deal with situations, you do not need to hydrate, eat or rest while there are people suffering or who do not have their own needs.
2. Emotional ventilation
It is important to talk about what has happened to us or how we have felt in one situation or another. , with our own co-workers. They are the ones who are going through the same situation and who can best understand, listen and share. It does not mean burdening others but rather sharing experiences, coping resources, sensations, emotions…this will help us let go and limit it from being part of work and not take it home.
3. Return to routine
When you experience such dramatic situations that last over time, you tend to disconnect from what the reality is outside of crisis situations. Everything begins to become relative and can lead to catastrophe entering all areas of our daily lives. That is why it is important to return to the usual routines when you get home, put on the washing machine, make dinner and lunch for the next day, take out the dog, take out the garbage and participate in family life.
This helps connect with the other reality your daily life and to have a certain feeling of control in your life.
4. Increased self-care
If we are not well we will not be able to care well, this is the main idea. In times when situations that cause stress increase, it is essential not only to have self-care but also to increase it.
Here I propose some ideas and activities with which you can maintain self-care: have time to rest and disconnect, maintain contact with family and friends, play sports, practice leisure and cultural activities, be in contact with nature. , use relaxation and meditation techniques, have a hobby (and practice it) and sunbathe for 30 minutes/day.
5. Professional help
If you notice that the symptoms are of a high intensity that causes discomfort and that self-care is not enough to deal with the discomfort, It is recommended that you consult a doctor and seek professional help.
summarizing
Facing crisis situations is a complex process, a large number of emotions and thoughts are involved that are difficult to manage and most of the time, the professionals themselves are not trained in coping strategies that help them maintain good mental health. Therefore, seeking help from peers, institutions, and mental health professionals is always a good option.
