In November 2019, a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported and then became widespread within Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province of China. The disease rapidly spread throughout world and becoming a global health emergency. The nurses have been greatly challenged during the immediate in the wake of the viral epidemic. In battling the sudden emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), psychological distress among these appeared gradually. Fear and anxiety appeared immediately and decreased in the early stages of the epidemic, but depression, psychophysiological symptoms and posttraumatic stress symptoms appeared later and lasted for a long time, leading to profound impacts.
Being isolated and working on the front line, the mental health challenges of the pandemic are wide reaching. The world has suffered a massive death toll from the coronavirus, and leads threat to the health and livelihood of the people across the globe. We see the spread of virus, but we have also, from the very beginning seen the spread of fear as well and having to wrap our heads around the threat of the virus itself, public and personal life has changed beyond recognition. The actions we have had to take to contain the spread of disease have left some of us struggling to cope with a lack of childcare while working, separation from family and friends, and serious health fears.
Nurses are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and work significantly in challenging environment as such are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection. Hazards include pathogen exposure, long working hours, distress, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma, and physical as well as psychological violence.
Message for nurses and other healthcare workers
Feeling under pressure is a likely experience for all of us. It is quite normal to be feeling this way in the current situation. Stress and the feelings associated with it are by no means a reflection that we cannot do our job or that we are weak. Managing our mental health and psychosocial well-being during this time is as important as managing our physical health.
We should take care of ourselves at this time. Try and use helpful coping strategies such as ensuring sufficient rest and respite during work or between shifts, eat sufficient and healthy food, engage in physical activity, and stay in contact with family and friends. Avoid using unhelpful coping strategies such as use of tobacco and other drugs. In the long term, these can worsen our mental and physical well-being.
Mostly healthcare workers may unfortunately experience avoidance by their family or community owing to stigma or fear. This can make an already challenging situation far more difficult. Staying connected with our loved ones through digital methods is one of the way to maintain contact.
Turn to trusted persons and mental health professionals such as counselors for mental and social support. Minimize watching, reading or listening to news about COVID-19 that causes to feel anxious or distressed. Seek information mainly from trusted sources so that we can take practical steps to prepare, plan and protect ourselves and our loved ones. Seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice. The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried. Get the facts; not rumours and misinformation. Gather information at regular intervals from the WHO website.
Naseer Ahmad Tantar : PG in Community Health Nursing
