Just when it seemed we were turning the corner on COVID-19, cases relating to a variant of the virus have surged.  Amid this wave, patients are dealing with very clear physical consequences. But there is also an unseen challenge- how to help the mental health of healthcare workers.

Healthcare Workers Mental Health and COVID-19

Local hospitals, including Baptist Health, report being packed with sick, unvaccinated COVID-19 patients while UF Health Jacksonville and Ascension St. Vincent’s are sharing stories of people who got vaccinated, in an effort to boost vaccine rates.

About a quarter of healthcare workers have dealt with mental health issues such as anxiety and/or depression during the pandemic. Overall, about 60% of  frontline healthcare workers say their mental health has been negatively affected by COVID-19. This can be tied to many reasons.

  • Healthcare workers face a higher fear for their own health, as well as that of their families. They may fear exposing their loved ones.
  • While most medical facilities have implemented extensive procedures to protect against the spread of COVID-19, healthcare workers may be concerned about how well their protective equipment functions and the availability of that equipment.
  • Healthcare workers carry the weight of their patient’s distress and make difficult decisions relating to patients. When hospital beds, ventilators, and other key pieces of equipment are in short supply, a healthcare worker may feel like treating one patient at the expense of another.
  • Healthcare workers may experience feelings of helplessness. With the system incredibly taxed, staffing and bed shortages, and no clear end in sight, the average shift can be much more overwhelming than ever before.

In addition to all of this, healthcare workers may be frustrated over the public’s unwillingness to heed their warnings. Hospitals and local government officials are united in their message- get the vaccine, it works in protecting you. Despite that, many people are still holding out. Seeing people in their community refuse to get vaccinated and not abide by COVID-19 protocols like wearing a mask can be triggering for many healthcare workers, especially as they put forward such a big sacrifice to try to keep the public healthy.

Helping Those Who Help Us

The American Psychiatric Association notes several common psychological and behavioral responses to an outbreak of infectious disease: insomnia, reduced feelings of safety, scapegoating, increased use of alcohol and tobacco, and physical signs of stress like body aches. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says times like this could also lead to people reliving traumatic events, isolating themselves, being unable to trust others, feeling burnt out, experiencing sleep problems, having changes in appetite, and experiencing memory issues.

The American Medical Association recommends mental health support for healthcare workers and encourages taking time to care for their own mental health.

  • Give yourself permission to feel things, including stress, worry, anxiety, etc. It is human and normal to have these feelings, and you don’t have to bottle them in.
  • Be intentional about coping strategies. Schedule rest, make time for relaxing activities, cook healthy food, and similar steps.
  • As enjoyable as social media can be, also consider breaks if the social media content you regularly see evokes negative feelings.
  • Draw strength from the important role you serve. Healthcare professionals are vital supports for society, and that’s especially true during times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Try to find empowerment in that knowledge.
  • Know you don’t need to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders alone. Coming together with your colleagues to acknowledge what everyone is experiencing and help each other builds a crucial community.
  • Regularly check yourself for feelings that you’re having trouble controlling and consider if you need to seek professional help. Many healthcare workers report feeling stigmatized if they seek out mental health support. If you decide to seek professional support, Jax Therapy Network has a searchable database of local, licensed therapists and counselors.

If you are a friend of family member of a healthcare worker, consider how you can support them. It can be as simple as regularly checking in to see how their doing, or more involved like offering to cook a meal, watch their child, or similar steps. If your loved one does come forward, please make sure to validate and support them, so they don’t feel like a burden or as though they’re being judged for reaching out.

Ready to find your therapist? Search the Jax Therapy Network and find mental health help for healthcare workers with therapy from professional therapists and mental health counseling support.