Health professionals on the Covid frontline share their experiences of managing panic attacks and anxiety, exploring moral injury and potential PTSD. The podcast also discusses the challenges of maintaining work-life balance and the increased workload faced by healthcare professionals during the pandemic.
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Quick takeaways
Frontline health professionals are experiencing panic attacks and anxiety due to the uncertainty and danger posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The mental health of medical staff, including doctors and nurses, is significantly impacted by burnout, trauma, grief, and the pressure to make difficult decisions during the pandemic.
Deep dives
The emotional toll on doctors
The COVID-19 pandemic is taking an emotional toll on doctors in many ways. Increased work hours, caring for sick patients, and the risk of infection are just some of the challenges they face. Doctors have been sharing their fears and feelings, expressing concerns about burnout, anxiety, and depression. They worry about the moral dilemmas they may have to face, such as deciding who gets treatment. The traumatic experiences and grief they witness can have long-term consequences, potentially leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury.
Mental health impact on medical staff
The mental health of medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, is a concern during the COVID-19 crisis. Burnout is a significant issue, as the intensity and uncertainty of the situation can be overwhelming. The added trauma, grief, and risk of infection contribute to the mental strain. The rapid pace of change and the pressure to make difficult decisions, like determining who receives treatment, further impact their well-being. The British Psychological Society recognizes three phases: preparatory, active, and recovery, each with its own psychological challenges for workers.
Challenges and negative experiences
Medical staff, including doctors and nurses, face challenges and negative experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Verbal abuse, aggression, and anger from patients can cause additional stress. Some healthcare professionals have been spat on or refused service for wearing their uniforms in public. The anxiety and fear of getting infected at work and passing the infection onto loved ones weigh heavily on their minds. Despite the difficulties, these professionals remain dedicated to their work and the well-being of their patients.
The uncertainty, isolation, and danger posed by the Coronavirus pandemic affects the mental health of many people - but for those on the frontline, all of those feelings can be heightened. We talk to health professionals who have been managing their own panic attacks and anxiety.
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