As we near June, the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. is gradually increasing. Thousands of lives lost and expected economic hardship leaves many of us scrambling for some sense of normalcy. We all know someone who has the coronavirus or knows someone who has passed from it. While this is tragic, it forms a bond between us, as a nation. 

The real cost of the virus is the number of lives lost. Front line workers such as doctors, nurses, EMTs, and numerous other health care professionals, have made the biggest sacrifice to this nation. They put their life at risk every time they went to the hospital, clinic, or started their shift. While not everyone can relate to a career in the health care field, we all know how much selflessness is needed to go to work knowing you may contract the virus. 

In the face of the pandemic, we have seen the best of people and their desire to help others. Health care workers who can’t hug their families, kiss their spouse, or see their child for their birthday, all because they are constantly exposed to COVID-19. They put the health and well-being of their patients at the forefront of their minds, which is truly selfless. 

Prioritizing Mental Health

Self-care and stress management is key to staying mentally healthy while working during such a hectic time. Pandemics such as COVID-19 make people feel like they have no control over their lives. With no end in sight, everything is a question regarding the future. Some health care workers have said that they have cried more in the last month, than their entire adult life. That shows the seriousness of COVID-19 on mental health. 

Being able to accept and manage your emotions is needed to lower anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns that may surface during these times of death and despair. We have all seen stories on the news about medical workers who felt so overwhelmed that they saw no light at the end of the tunnel and made the decision to end their lives. These tragic situations should shed light on the need for mental health services, especially for our front line workers.

If you suspect that a loved one or even yourself is having dark thoughts or questioning your mortality, you should reach out to your local hotline to speak with someone. Depending on how comfortable you are with speaking to a health care professional, you could also talk to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings.

Combating Stress With Preparation

Healthcare workers can reduce their stress through preparation and knowing how to manage certain medical situations. Many medical workers are used to having frequent formal and informal training. This is to ensure that they are continuously improving their education and learning to provide the best medical care. New information is surfacing every day in relation to COVID-19. Healthcare workers may benefit from training in:

• Factual details about virus transmission
• The use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Knowing when to self-quarantine
• Making decisions about triage and capacity issues
• Knowing when and how to test others

While the coronavirus will certainly negatively impact many Americans financially, lives lost cannot be reversed. Placing an emphasis on managing your emotional health is important whether you work in the medical field or not. No one should be shame in seeking help for their anxiety or depression. If you need to, speak to a trusted loved one or a mental health expert.