COVID-19 Frontline Workers: Strategies to Stay Emotionally Healthy

To date, worldwide, there have been more than 3 million people infected with COVID-19, more than two hundred thousand deaths, and millions more who have been affected financially and emotionally. Our frontline workers are tasked with continuing to go to work to meet our public health and safety needs. During this unprecedented pandemic, frontline workers and healthcare personnel are trying to care for their patients and the general public while dealing with their own physical exhaustion, stress, worry, and anxiety. Below are some mental health tips, strategies, and resources to stay emotionally healthy.

PHYSICAL HEALTH:
EAT REGULARLY – With an increased workload, variable work schedules, and psychological fatigue, it’s all too easy to skip a meal. Sometimes you may be too tired to cook, and prefer to catch up on your sleep. If you don’t have time or energy to cook, consider meal prepping, buying a healthy meal to go, or choosing healthy frozen meal options. Although frozen and take-out foods may not be your best option, they may be a better alternative to skipping meals or eating unhealthy snacks.

GET MOVING!- Even if you can’t get to the gym or participate in a sport with your exercise buddies, consider participating in a physical activity at home like yoga, stretching, push-ups, hand weights, or exercise videos.

MEDICATIONS- Don’t forget to take your medications if prescribed. Set reminder alarms or stick sticky notes so you don’t miss a dose.

MENTAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Don’t forget to self-assess daily! How are you dealing with your stress? Do you feel more detached or closed off? Are you more irritable or do you get angry easily? Have you started self-isolating or not answering calls or texts? Do you feel overwhelmed or out of control? Are you crying or do you feel bad? If you experience any of the above, don’t hesitate to talk to someone and get help.

UNPLUG:
Take a step back and breathe. Depending on the demands of the job, it can be very difficult to stop and hit the reset button. However, being able to temporarily unplug is important to allow both your body and mind to recharge. Try not to constantly talk about work during your breaks or at lunch. When you are home, focus fully on your family and engage in bonding activities to help rejuvenate your mind and spirit. Consider participating in meditative, spiritual or religious activities according to your beliefs.

PARTNER REGISTRATION:
Although you may be coping well, that doesn’t mean your co-workers are managing your stressors effectively. Look around! As you walk down the hall, walk through an open office door, or chat in the staff room, look closely. Be on the lookout for any unexpected negative changes in your co-workers’ appearance, hygiene, attitude, or mood. Consider doing a quick check on friends, asking them how they’re doing. Even if they don’t open right away, remind them that help and resources are available.

PERSONAL RESOURCES:
Employers are encouraged to provide information to their staff about available resources, including employee assistance programs, mental health providers, and financial support. Consider highlighting available resources through ongoing reminders on the company website, weekly emails, Facebook posts, or informational bulletin boards.

NORMALIZE HELP SEEKING BEHAVIOR:
Although it is important to get help, doing so still carries sociological and cultural stigmas. Everyone can do their part to normalize the search for mental health care. As a society, we don’t think twice when a person talks about going to their doctor for a medical problem. However, we all need to be aware of how we respond or comment when a person says they are stressed, overwhelmed, or having trouble coping. Make sure you don’t ridicule, use negative language, gossip, or minimize the person’s difficulties. Instead, be that voice of encouragement and empowerment!

REMEMBER THAT ASKING FOR HELP IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS BUT A SIGN OF COURAGE!

MEANS:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741
• NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
• Dial 211- visit 211.org if you need help finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free child care or other essential services.
• Military OneSource: Provides materials and information on programs for military parents.
Telephone numbers:
Toll Free: 1-800-342-9647
En español call: 1-800-342-9647
TTY/TTD: Dial 711 and provide the toll-free number 1-800-342-9647
• Veterans (VA) Crisis Line: Call 800-273-8255 or text 838255
• DoD/VA Suicide Scope: http://www.suicideoutreach.org
• InTheRooms.com: live online AA/NA meetings

MENTAL HEALTH SMARTPHONE APPS:
advance application
life armor app
Breathe2Relax App
Headspace (meditation app)
Insight Timer App

Copyright © Felecia D. Sheffield, PhD, HSP,. All rights reserved in all media.