Health care workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis face devastating emotional and psychological impact from the pandemic. Although the public has shown appreciation for their heroic efforts, health care workers face new, post-COVID challenges as the world struggles to find the “new normal.”

According to Smita Agarkar, MD, a psychiatrist and Unit Chief, Crisis Stabilization Unit at New York’s Gracie Square Hospital, the challenges facing health care workers in the COVID-19 pandemic are unique and complex.

“Many believe the mental and behavioral health issues following the pandemic present a ‘secondary crisis,’” she says. “We’ve seen health care workers describe their work during the pandemic as a war zone, battlefield, or nightmare. Those on the frontlines have had to deal with unprecedented challenges, including shortages of N95 masks and other personal protective equipment, while caring for very sick patients. Many have had to face moral dilemmas, choosing between their own safety and offering comfort to very sick COVID-19 patients.”

“In addition, the anxiety and fear of infecting family members was palpable among many colleagues and co-workers, who chose to socially isolate themselves away from family and loved ones,” she adds, noting that the mental health effects of self-isolation or quarantine can be especially severe for health care workers. “Studies from the SARS epidemic and, more recently, data from China’s Wuhan region indicate that health care workers who were involved in treating COVID-19 patients were at increased risk of depression, anxiety, insomnia and acute stress disorder. There also concerns that quarantine may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. Many health care workers also are at increased risk of suicide.”

“While frontline health workers will relive this for a long time, it is imperative to help them cope with stress and as they integrate back into post-COVID lives.”

Here are Dr. Agarkar’s suggestions:

• During the times of pandemic, many health care workers have had to work long hours. It is important to take breaks and, if possible, take time off. Set appropriate limits and learn to say no to requests that create excessive stress in your life. Avoid isolation by checking in with colleagues and co-workers.
• Refrain from engaging in repetitive thoughts of guilt due to feelings of helplessness, regret, and second-guessing. Use mindfulness to focus on what is in your power to control. If your thoughts are careening like a roller coaster, take a step back and try viewing them from a distance. Examine your feelings—try to be non-judgmental—be compassionate towards yourself, accept the current situation, and let it go.
• Join a support group. If one is not available at your own institution, many organizations offer online support.
• During this highly stressful period, self-care is more important than ever. Insomnia is a key factor that leads to anxiety and stress. Try to exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and get enough rest and sleep to help your body recover from stressful events. Do not self-medicate with drugs, alcohol or compulsive behaviors, such as eating, to reduce stress.
• Know your facts. Watching the news can be especially stressful. Set limits on how much news you consume; instead, rely on scientific data, and focus on facts not fears. Make time for hobbies, interests, and relaxation, seek out social support, and spend time with people you enjoy
• After months of selflessly treating COVID-19 patients, many health care workers lack the emotional bandwidth to deal with their own personal problems such as absence from families or loss of loved ones. Discussing anxiety and fears with friends and family can help people cope.
• Do not suffer in silence. If stress and anxiety become severe, there are medications that can help. Cognitive behavior therapy also helps people learn to change how they deal with negative thoughts and find healthier coping strategies. It is important to be aware of your own feelings, and vigilant about friends and loved ones. If you feel anxious, depressed, stressed out or feel that life is not worth living, get help.

About Gracie Square Hospital:

Gracie Square Hospital has provided advanced, patient-centered inpatient behavioral health services since 1959. The hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach to care for patients with psychiatric disorders who can benefit from inpatient hospitalization to help patients return to the community and live healthy, productive lives. Its diagnostic and treatment programs are provided by skilled, licensed and certified behavioral healthcare professionals.