Provider Wellbeing During Stressful Times

Healthcare responders are at higher than average risk for traumatic stress reactions because their work repeatedly exposes them to highly stressful situations.  During a COVID-19 outbreak you may experience far greater than average stress:

• Face conflicting demands between work and family responsibilities.
• Increased risk of infection/Have fear about contagion or spreading illness.
• Experience equipment challenges that limit mobility and communication; experience shortages of equipment
• Feel constant pressure to keep working, along with a sense of ineffectiveness.
• Experience stigma and isolation (from community, co-workers, friends, and family).
• Have concerns about the health and wellbeing of yourself, your family, friends, and loved ones.
• Not want to leave work when your shift is finished--regardless of whether your replacement has arrived.

Try to override stress and fatigue with dedication and commitment, and you may deny the need for rest and recovery time.

Regardless, you will not be untouched by the enormous gravity of the situation and you will experience sadness, grief, and/or anger.  As a healthcare responder, you need to become fully informed about the impact that such an event may have on you personally and professionally, and how to protect yourself.