Wow, I can’t believe how much life has changed in 2020! And with the coronavirus and protests, everything has been turned upside down, including mental health. I know there are many challenges that will be the new norm so I’ve also looked at this time as a moment of reflection.
Quite frankly, due to all these major issues, providers have to gear up for the new reality of how this event has traumatized people into a mental health crisis or the next pandemic. This has taken a toll on the providers as well so the workload may quadruple but somehow through the storm, we still have to focus and function. Here’s a list of situations that I believe Psych NP’s will have to encounter:
- Socioeconomic: unemployment or loss of wages, homelessness, a lack of adequate housing, loss of transportation, violence (+domestic), substance abuse.
- Medical Health: lack of access to care, medical supplies unavailable, services are decreasing, increasing backlogs, rising costs.
- Mental Health Concerns: hopelessness, despair, suicide thoughts/attempts, unrealistic demands, delusions, paranoia, lack of motivation, night terrors, poor sleep/appetite, personal neglect, isolation, loneliness, fear, anger…along with all the mental illnesses.
I can write a post about every topic just mentioned but no one wants to feel overwhelmed, including myself. Even the real journalist and super health gurus are having a hard time keeping it together (so don’t beat yourself up). I would just like to mention some tips that are helping me as a Psych NP to deal with patients and my downtime:
Keep your profession intact: this is a separate post but it simply implies making sure you’re doing good first and foremost, then explore new ideas about psychiatry. Lately, I’ve been watching this lady’s YT channel called Live Abuse Free about narcissism and other outlets that give great insight. You can also learn a new skill or work on a new certification. Focus on something other than the coronavirus or the news and you may find some new exciting opportunities or avoid burnout.
Be friends with SW: some of the issues I’ve posted can be resolved with a social worker. They are resourceful and knowledgeable. Most of the time social workers can find ways to get out of a crazy situation, which most people ignore. Helping a patient with a social issue like housing may keep you and the patient from drowning into deeper problems.
Let the person vent: whether it’s a patient, family, co-workers… letting the person release their worries is a form of coping and try not to argue or avoid hot topics like sex/religion/politics…keep the conversation pleasant and hopefully the outcomes will become pleasant as well.
Don’t fight the norm in chaos: while a person is venting, also confirm that it’s normal and okay to experience grief, pain, suffering, anxiety…etc. If the mental health concern isn’t completely debilitating, then they’re still in good hands. Just listen and commend the patient’s efforts. Sometimes in the middle of the storm, a person forgets how human expressions are normal and not necessarily an illness.
Honestly, the amount of information about mental health-related coronavirus has been overwhelming so I’ve been limiting the news and social media as well. It can easily create more stress and heartache as evidenced by the headlines:
- Coronavirus is harming the mental health of tens of millions of people in the U.S., a new poll finds by Washington Post
- COVID-19 is ravaging America’s psychiatric facilities by The Hill
- A crisis mental-health hotline has seen an 891% spike in calls by CNN The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. –SAMHSA
- Tech Is a Double-Edged Lifeline for Domestic Violence Victims; as Covid-19 forces some to shelter in place with their abusers, dedicated hotlines, apps, and text messages can provide support. But using them is also a risk. –Wired
The Storm Is Almost Over
It may be a while to get used to the new norm. However, I try to give tips that’ll help in current situations (like the protests) and future events. I don’t want the patient or the provider to despair! The most important point is communicating your needs/concerns, have an outlet, and always work on ways to cope so the next big event can be more tolerable. Stay positive and well. Resources about the coronavirus by APNA.
