Committed doctors, nurses, therapists, mental health professionals, and other frontline workers, experience unique mental stress issues as the country responds to coronavirus. Most of these professionals regard the safety, health, and needs of patients before their own.
Also, these workers are very anxious and feel uncertain about possible transmission risks every day while working. During these unprecedented periods, all frontline workers should understand they are not alone. Besides, there are practical steps they can apply to take care of their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.
The following are professional tips that can help workers protect their mental health, reduce burnout, and manage chronic stress.
Workers Should Practice Self-Care Strategies and Soothing Techniques
Self-care strategies such as deep breathing and meditation, yoga, exercise, muscle relaxation, positive affirmations and visualizations, adequate sleep, healthy eating, and free-flow journaling are crucial ways of maintaining mental health. These tips are particularly vital when frontline workers experience added stress due to handling the COVID-19 situation.
Research indicates that coronavirus workers feel vulnerable to coronavirus infections and later spreading it to their loved ones. Such emotional distress can contribute a high impact on mental health. However, practicing these simple self-care strategies while being cautious of personal infection can benefit frontline workers as they continue working.
Frontline Workers Should Take Time to Focus on Themselves
If you are a COVID-19 frontline professional, you can take care of yourself by accepting you need adequate time to recuperate. For instance, you can occasionally participate in therapy sessions or engage yourself in private, emotional activities to fathom and appreciate the work you have completed.
Frontline Workers Should Have Work Limits
Working long hours in stressful conditions can cause burnout among frontline workers. Most of them experience high exhaustion levels and worry that the pandemic is a flexible condition with no set end date.
Additionally, they work for an extended time in very complicated situations. At times they work with inadequate equipment and protective gear and forget about possible risks of coronavirus infections upon themselves.
However, these professionals should give themselves working limits, including the organization or system associated limits. They need to determine and accept the reality of how much they can deliver on their current situation. Limiting may include scheduling the appropriate time when to work and when to take breaks while adhering to such schedules.
Seek Professional Support
Finally, when mental stress, burnout, or other physical issues become too overwhelming, they can also seek professional support for advice on coping with their needs. Some healthcare providers have even established separate essential programs for recreational activities involving the above tips to encourage frontline workers.
A word From the Recover
Frontline workers are uniquely located to deal with some of the most compelling matters associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, all healthcare workers should always remember that the community significantly appreciates their work. Even so, people should try to cope with them well and make them feel comfortable while they address their needs.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for the best care and support services concerning your mental health, search our comprehensive list of rehab centers near you.
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