Healthcare Workers Face COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis
Around the world, doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers are fighting an enemy that has already killed more than 260,000 people and infected another 3.7 million. They are our frontline defense in the COVID-19 pandemic and their sacrifice not only threatens their physical health but their mental health as well.
According to the first study to look at the mental health of those treating coronavirus patients, 71% of Chinese healthcare workers at 34 hospitals equipped with fever clinics or wards for patients with COVID-19, reported feelings of distress. The report, published in late March, also found that 50% of the 1,257 respondents had symptoms of depression, 45% had symptoms of anxiety and 34% reported symptoms of insomnia.
“Given the unprecedented demands of caring for patients with coronavirus, the sadness of watching patients die alone and the financial stress that some healthcare workers must face as they take pay cuts or are even terminated, it is unsurprising that a large number are struggling mentally,” said Katherine Pannel, DO, Medical Director of Right Track Medical Group.
Dr. Pannel says this group faces even more significant psychological challenges during this pandemic as they also deal with the stress of their personal life.
“They are not only healthcare workers, but they are also normal adults,” said Dr. Pannel. “They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and friends. They are worried about their friends and family contracting the virus. They are worried about how they will care for loved ones if they get ill. And many are still having to not only wear the hat of parent but also now of teacher. It is hard to maintain a balance and still work full time.”
The fact that many of these workers are at an increased risk of getting and transmitting the virus only compounds these challenges.
“Many healthcare workers are having to quarantine to keep from infecting their families,” said Dr. Pannel. “Not being able to be with loved ones is devastating during times when we need the support most.”
Dr. Pannel says for this population, support and communication are more critical than ever.
“Reach out to your healthcare friends via phone, Facetime, Zoom,” she said. “Let them know that you are there for them. Hear their worries and concerns. Send them an encouraging note or a meal. Find ways to help their families at home while they are quarantined. Just knowing that their families are being cared for will help decrease their stress tremendously.”
“You may be thinking, ‘But if I am to be a healthcare worker, I am supposed to prioritize others. It just seems selfish to put the focus on me,’” she said. “But if you are not well taken care of, then you will not be able to take care of others effectively”
At the same time, Dr. Pannel stresses the importance of self-care for doctors, nurses and healthcare workers at this time. This can include reading, limiting social media exposure, exercising, meditation or switching off any news related to COVID-19 when they leave work.
“You may be thinking, ‘But if I am to be a healthcare worker, I am supposed to prioritize others. It just seems selfish to put the focus on me,’” she said. “But if you are not well taken care of, then you will not be able to take care of others effectively.”
Finally, Dr. Pannel encourages those nurses, doctors and healthcare workers who are struggling to reach out for help.
“There is no doubt this pandemic will leave many healthcare workers with psychological scars,” she said. “We have already seen suicides amongst healthcare workers who are treating patients with coronavirus. It has never been more important that those who are feeling symptoms of depression seek professional treatment. This may be difficult for many healthcare workers who in the past have been reluctant to seek the same mental healthcare they would suggest to their patients.”