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1. Healthcare workers are currently gaining
experience that is stressful. Therefore it is quite normal to be feeling stress
in the current situation. Stress and the feelings associated with it are not a
reflection of your weakness. Managing your
mental health during this time is as important as managing your physical
health.
2. Observe and try to meet your basic needs and use
constructive stress coping strategies: ensuring sufficient rest
during work or between shifts, eat healthy food, be physically active and stay
in contact with family members and friends. Avoid using unhelpful coping
strategies: tobacco, alcohol that in the long term, can worsen your mental and
physical condition. The COVID-19 outbreak is a unique and unprecedented experience
for many health care workers, particularly if they have not been involved in
similar responses. Even so, using strategies that have worked for you in the
past to manage times of stress can benefit you now.
3. Some of you may experience avoidance by your
family or community owing to stigma or fear. This can make an already
challenging situation far more difficult. If possible, staying connected with
your loved ones, including through digital methods, is one way to maintain
contact. Turn to your colleagues, your manager or other trusted persons for
social support – your colleagues may be having similar experiences to you and
supporting each other will help you feel better.
4. Use understandable ways to share messages
with people with intellectual, cognitive and psychosocial disabilities. If you
are the head of healthcare organization, include forms of communication that do
not rely solely on written information.