Ever since the first cases of coronavirus disease were reported at the beginning of the year, the world has been glued to every update of the outbreak. As COVID-19 has spread, it has caused widespread confusion and uncertainty.
In this environment, home and hospitals can become hotbeds of tension and stress. This is not ideal but very normal, says Ronel Groenewald, a counselling psychologist at Mediclinic Kimberley. “It is only natural to feel you will be infected at some stage, and to be scared as a result.”
But this can be managed effectively – if you know what to expect, and what to do about it.
What does that stress reaction look or feel like? “Physical and emotional exhaustion is the biggest risk for all healthcare workers,” she says. “They are pushing themselves beyond their normal capacity. This leads to feelings of isolation, which are exacerbated by social distancing and not being able to be with their families.”
“Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations,” she explains. “How you respond to this outbreak will depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the specific community you live in. Healthcare workers and first responders, because of their proximity to this crisis, will react more strongly than most.”
Recognising when something is wrong is the first step to getting the help you need. If you are concerned that you are not managing your stress optimally, here’s how to ask for help:
- Call a close friend or loved one to talk about how you feel
- Reach out to Line Manager or your Human Resources Manager
- Get in touch with a trustworthy member of the community
- Call your GP and ask for a referral to a mental health professional
- Call the UAE Hope support line at 800-4673
Remember, says Groenewald, you are not alone. We are all in this together and this too will pass.