Two years ago, no one would have ever believed that COVID-19 would have turned out to be one of the biggest health crises – first responders and health care professionals – have been the most heavily impacted by this crisis.
Appropriately, the topic of self-care for health care workers has grown in popularity, but unfortunately, many health care workers find themselves with barely enough time to breathe, much less breathe deeply.
Health care workers constitute the most affected group of people in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. During pandemic healthcare workers were often forced to work under extremely difficult and stressful conditions, which caused their burn out.
Importance of Self-Care for Health Care Workers
The wellbeing and emotional resilience of health care professionals were key components of continuing healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the common mental effects of the pandemic experienced are anxiety, panic, depression, anger, confusion, ambivalence, and financial stress.
Research shows that, during this intense period, health care professionals have been observed to experience serious psychological problems and to be at risk in terms of mental health, further demonstrating the importance of self-care for health care workers who are often so busy caring for others that they neglect themselves.
Speaking specifically about pharmacists, who were faced with a storm of new measures and services, we understand how difficult it was and still is for them, to mentally manage this tension.
Studies have also shown that health care professionals have been considerably more worried about catching the infection during a pandemic.
Their frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients had raised anxiety and fear of virus infection.
As a result, levels of stress, depression and anxiety during pandemic were increased, which has led to some of them becoming traumatized.
4 Simple Ways for Health Care Workers to Practice Self-Care
Several behavioural and social science researchers have developed strategies that can be used to support optimum mental health. Look at the following insights to help build resilience during these trying times.
– Set realistic expectations. Do not anticipate that timelines and expectations will be short lived. This will only lead to extreme disappointment when milestones are not met. Anticipating that the pandemic is a more chronic vs. acute condition can help level set the amount of stress that comes with anticipation.
– Try to keep a positive attitude. From the greatest adversities, opportunities can emerge.
– Get quality sleep. Quality sleep acts as a protective factor against the psychological problems that health care workers might experience. A lack of sleep can magnify levels of anxiety and depression.
– Reach out to others. Remembering that others are here and willing to help in these challenging times can make all the difference in someone’s outlook on life, and those who reach out to others for support are often able to persevere through challenges they never thought they could overcome.
