Healthcare individuals are fighting the viciousness of the Coronavirus epidemic, but unfortunately all the deaths and misery around is directly attacking their belief system, which has made them vulnerable and emotionally and mentally weak. 

“Every few days, once I am off duty, I am quarantined with my family at our home. We can’t meet anyone, move out at all, or even buy or choose groceries of our choice. It is all delivered at our doorstep. Though I get to relax for those 14 days but my wife and daughter are in perpetual stress. We monitor their temperature and other vital signs atleast 2-3 times a day. I keep worrying what if the next time around the temperature  is elevated? The first signs of cough, even unrelated to COVID, sends me into a guilt trip that I brought this on them. I am wondering if I did the right thing by volunteering for COVID team at my hospital.”

It is not easy for the health workers to be dealing with the onslaught of COVID.

It shakes up their belief system, their faith in whatever they are doing, and makes them question and doubt themselves constantly.

This in turn is messing up their mental health--the constant back and forth about their own actions, not knowing what next, living  on the edge, and nobody to blame in case of any problem but themselves. All in all they are dealing with restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, loss of faith and continued sense of depression and low-feelings.

How can these people deal with feelings of anxiety and overwhelmed emotions?

Practice mindfulness: Remind yourself of the positives of why you took up this job in the first place, what motivated you and focus on the high points such as a patient going back to his family rather than the low points.. 

Stay alert: About  your own health and symptoms and others as well. Do not miss even the slightest of complaints from family about health.  

Stay connected: While working for longer hours, you as a healthcare worker might start feeling depressed and frustrated. During such times, your family is what will provide you with the highest comfort. Call them whenever you get the time and stay connected. 

Open up whenever possible: If you are feeling depressed due to the workload or healthcare issues or familial worries, express your anxiety and concerns with either a friend or someone you trust. If needed consult a professional for the same as it helps you to retrospect on your feelings and react with a new perspective.