Wellbeing during COVID-19

The other day, I was vacantly watching television (a behaviour that risks becoming a habit during COVID 19) and I heard a brief interview with a Junior Doctor. She looked weary, was still dressed in scrubs and appeared to be engaging in the interview in a Hospital corridor. I was struck by something she said. She commented that things had been really tough for weeks, but that the situation was beginning to ease. That was both a good thing and a bad thing, she observed. It was a good thing in that the actual work was becoming more manageable but having more time available was leading her into difficult reflections. Had she done the right thing for each patient? Had she made mistakes? Were there things she should have done differently?

 

Listening to this young Doctor made me think about trauma and the far-reaching effects of traumatic experiences. Common sense would tell us, and research supports this fact, that dealing with trauma while the trauma is on-going is unhelpful. It’s when the trauma is passed that the healing (if any is required) needs to happen.

 

I suspect that many of our SAS colleagues have been exposed to very difficult situations over the pandemic. In addition to the usual stresses of the job, there will have been added stresses tackling an unknown and unseen virus, coping with the fears of clients, and the fears of colleagues and families, not to mention fears experienced by the staff themselves. If trauma is defined as ‘an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds the ability to cope”, the last months have certainly been traumatic and coping with that, as things improve in whatever form that will take, might take some consideration.

 

As the pandemic eases, it will be natural for staff on the front-line to feel a bit dazed and shocked, perhaps even a bit ‘cut off’ or slightly numbed to usual feelings. Initially, a coping mechanism may be to deny the extent of those feelings. Feelings are rarely rational and can encompass all kinds of sensations. Fear may be part of that range of experiences, as will feelings of helplessness, and even feelings of anger and guilt. Sadness may be present and there may even be feelings of shame. All of these feelings may be part of a very normal reaction process following intense exposure to traumatic events.

 

There may be other physiological responses experienced, including difficulties with sleep, exhaustion, nightmares, poor concentration and memory difficulties. Again, all of these responses are to be expected in the days following trauma.

 

So, what might be some helpful strategies to deal with this post-traumatic experience? Research seems to indicate that it is important to give yourself time, to recognise that what you’re feeling is part of a natural response, and to accept your feelings as part of that response. Discussing your experiences with other members of your Team can also be really helpful. Spending time with people who have had the same experience that you’ve had, and sharing that experience, can be useful. Taking time for yourself and beginning to re-engage in hobbies/pastimes that you previously enjoyed is also a good idea. Sticking to usual routines regarding meal-times, for example, even when you don’t feel especially hungry, can help to ensure that you maintain a balanced diet and is an important part of looking after yourself. In addition to talking to colleagues, it might also be useful to spend time with friends and family who have not had your experience and with whom you talk about anything but your recent work!

 

It is important to ensure that you don’t ‘bottle’ your feelings up. Talking about things is always a great way to put things in perspective. It will be crucial to ensure that you give yourself some time to recover. Don’t burden yourself with a lot of unnecessary things to do. Watch your alcohol intake and ensure that you are drinking within safe limits.

 

In very general terms, responses to traumatic events tend to ease within a month or so. If things seem to continuing beyond that point, and your family and friends may begin to notice some changes in you, it might be helpful to seek professional support. There is no shame in needing some extra help and it is important for you to seek that help if required.

 

You may feel defeated by your experiences, close relationships may come increasingly under strain, work may begin to suffer, you may be relying on alcohol more than is helpful. If any of these things are happening, consult your GP, who may refer you to support services, including Clinical Psychology. You can also consult Occupational Health. Remember, there are services out there aiming to help the helpers!    

 

Rev Dr Michael Killoran Ross

Chaplain - SAS