Before the COVID-19 pandemic, working in healthcare was already stressful. As coronavirus cases continue to rise in Dallas County, it’s not surprising that depression and anxiety are heightened given the grim reality surrounding the pandemic.

North Texas physicians are working long hours and putting themselves at risk to help others. They are also making hard choices – between protecting themselves and their family and doing their job – on top of the life-or-death decisions they may be forced to make due to limited resources. Ensuring the mental health of frontline health care workers is critical in sustaining preparedness, response, and resilience.

Although physicians are trained to manage crisis and save lives, they are not immune from mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress. In a Medscape 2020 survey to over 15,000 physicians, 42% reported they were burned out. In addition to the factors that come with working in healthcare, a key reason behind these statistics is the amount of stigma in the field.

Studies show that doctors find it difficult to talk to their colleagues about mental health. In the same Medscape survey, about two thirds of physicians reported they would not seek professional help for burnout or depression. The most cited reasons for not seeking help for mental health are perceived stigma and anticipated damage to future career prospects.

Doctors and healthcare workers are flooded with additional stressors during a pandemic, such as increased risk of infection and transmission to family and loved ones. Frontline workers may attempt to diminish this risk by staying physically distant from loved ones, but this can cause feelings of worry, guilt, and loneliness.

Doctors and healthcare professionals should feel safe to talk openly to their colleagues. Starting tough conversations and seeking help when you need it are two of the bravest things you can do to begin breaking the stigma around mental health.

Taking care of yourself can help you take better care of others. If you find yourself feeling anxious, the following approaches may help to minimize the overall mental health impact of coronavirus.

1. Take breaks. When possible, take short breaks during your shifts to eat a snack, listen to music, get fresh air, or just have a moment to yourself. Stopping to take a few deep breaths brings awareness to your brain and body and allows you to refocus.

2. Nurture yourself. Taking care of yourself enables you to take care of others. Check in with yourself, monitor stress levels, eat nutritious food, stay hydrated, sleep, pray, practice meditation, and anything else that fuels you.

3. Connect. Check in with family, friends, and colleagues. It’s hard to be isolated from loved ones – take a moment to reach out and stay connected.

4. Practice self-compassion. Your thoughts and self-talk have great power over your mood. State a new mantra to repeat to yourself, such as “You are strong.” Or “You were built for this.” Accept what you can and cannot control and remind yourself that you are making a difference.

5. Seek support. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Many mental health professionals offer Telehealth sessions to provide support for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

6. Get help. Call the free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to speak with a trained navigator for guidance, information, resources, and support, including mental health and addiction services matched to your needs. Call for yourself or for someone you know. Se habla Español.

If you are in crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

By Cami Fields, LMSW
Director of Outreach and Education