Coronavirus Impact: Healthcare Workers ’ Mental Health In Jeopardy

BROCKTON (CBS) — Nurse Amy Smith has been on the job for 25 years, now caring for coronavirus-only patients at Brockton Hospital. She says it’s an anxiety she’s never experienced before. “There’s an anxiety of anticipation. We’re not sure what is coming through the door and the department is unusually still,” she said. Adding to her stress, she’s now living apart from her husband and two children out of fear for their health. “Now I have my loved ones to worry about. That’s a stress I can’t fix and I can’t make it go away,” Smith said. A study of healthcare workers in China while they were fighting the coronavirus found high rates of depression, anxiety, distress and insomnia. The stress on healthcare providers in the midst of the pandemic is an increasing concern. As much as they are giving critical help, they’re not helping themselves. “We sometimes forget in our quiet moments that we need our own rescue,” Smith said. Dr. Beth Lown, chief medical officer at the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, said now is the time to prepare. She’s concerned about a second pandemic of mental health in the healthcare community. “There is this culture of medicine, clinicians in particular, especially physicians, that we’re taught not to exhibit weakness,” Dr. Lown said. Smith said she is more likely to turn to a co-worker who can empathize with her experience. &...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Boston News Health Syndicated CBSN Boston Syndicated Local Beth Germano Coronavirus Mental Health Source Type: news