Care in times of Covid-19 crisis
A global pandemic, that was set in motion in late 2019, has given rise to a number of crises. While the effects of the pandemic can be seen around everyone, it is particularly detrimental among the health care workers due to an added sense of vulnerability. One must must keep in mind that the term “Health Care Workers” is not just limited to doctors and nurses, but also includes those involved indirectly as well.
Studies across the world have consistently found that the strain in terms of stress, stigma, and overwork among health care workers is exponential. Prolonged working hours and exposure to vulnerability are being recognized as the root causes of distress, anxiety further leading to sleep disturbances, substance use among health care workers. Recognizing such mental health fallouts remain integral as we begin assessing the need for care among the most vulnerable population.
Especially, now when the COVID-19 cases in India are skyrocketing, there is indeed an immediate need to make collective efforts in addressing the prevailing mental health crises to be able to restore wellbeing among health care workers.
Dr. Murthy, Head of Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS lays down her research and states that the first step to overcoming the mental health burden is to conquer the fear. While it is normal to feel scared, sad, stressed, confused, angry during a crisis, it is important to talk to people who can help and to be well informed by refraining from consuming false information.
Even when we are living in a time where the instances of stress are often considered as being the new normal, we should be able to recognize and assess when it becomes abnormal.
Like most of the other diagnosis, Dr. Murthy’s findings further suggest that the following symptoms should be taken into account, as we begin to assess an individual’s capacity to contain mental health burden during a pandemic –
1) Absenteeism
2) Reduced job performance/productivity
3) Rapid changes in mood, anger outbursts, crying spells, etc.
4) Reporting to workplace intoxicated
5) Poor memory
6) Impaired physical capability and daily functioning.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Dr. Murthy advocates for establishing a robust Mental Health Support System.
By encouraging organizational interventions there can be a strong support network formed to address the mental health issues among the workforce. By promoting awareness for mental health and stress among health care workers, team meetings can be done regularly in order to facilitate and discuss the common mental health issues, ensuring a protocol for treatment.
We must also make proper arrangements in the workplace by preparing the staff for the job, mix and match juniors and seniors known as “The Buddy System”, and ensure that there are proper training/shifts/breaks as needed.
Moreover, by sharing stories of positive efforts, be it at an individual level or an institutional level, one can definitely bring in the sense of togetherness during the time of such crisis.
The role of collective effort and work must never be devalued. We can only survive this pandemic if we help each other!
And accordingly, it is important for us all to be aware and promote the availability of helpline numbers nationwide, so that each individual knows that help is available and that they have the access to it whenever needed.
