Avoiding a Future Mental Health Crisis for Front-Line Workers Battling COVID-19

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an observance meant to educate the public, fight the stigma of mental health, and advocate for policies that support individuals and families coping with mental illness. While Mental Health Awareness Month is important every year, this year it is a particularly poignant reminder for us to acknowledge the struggles of healthcare workers battling COVID-19.

The pandemic has delivered new and daunting challenges for society. These include threats to our health and safety, homeschooling children, economic insecurity, and changing lifestyle behaviors to adapt to social distancing. Healthcare professionals are experiencing these hardships along with many additional challenges specific to their profession. First and foremost, front line workers suffer from a heightened risk of contracting the virus. They work long hours while often contending with shortages of Personal Protective Equipment, and they endure the acute loneliness and isolation of trying to remain physically distant from family members. They do this all while fighting to keep patients alive, many of whom are dying at an alarmingly high rate. This takes an emotional toll and will inevitably have long term consequences for health care providers. Experts say that as many as 20% to 25% of healthcare workers battling COVID-19 in hard-hit areas are likely to develop disorders such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress — a rate similar to what is reported in soldiers returning from combat.

The conditions of a global pandemic call for modern measures to better address and counteract the challenges facing our nurses, doctors, hospital staff and administrators. UVA Health is working diligently to provide the resources necessary to support and protect our front-line staff, and to help them navigate emotional and mental health challenges during these extraordinary times.

To start, we have developed UVACOPE, a 20-minute teleconsulting and screening service for clinical team members who are experiencing acute stress or trauma reactions related to COVID-19. This is a no-cost service that is available seven days a week. In addition, UVA offers many programs to help staff prioritize and preserve their health and wellbeing during this difficult time. These include eM Life, an online mindfulness platform that helps to promote health, happiness, stress management and self-care. Employees can also access MindTrails, personalized UVA resource sponsored by the National Institute for Mental Health, focused on alleviating anxiety by enabling individuals to change rigid and negative thought patterns to practice new ways of positive thinking. For time-strapped employees, UVA offers therapy resources like Teladoc, a new service available through Aetna, which provides confidential therapy quickly and conveniently seven days a week. Finally, all UVA employees have free access to Wellbeats, a newly acquired health and wellness resource available through the web or mobile app with access to hundreds of virtual exercise, fitness, and nutrition classes.

The AMA has recommended other strategies and resources for healthcare workers to tend to their own wellbeing while caring for others. They suggest a focus on meditation and mindfulness to counteract stress, anxiety and sleeplessness. To that end, they have partnered with Headspace, a popular app providing guided mindfulness exercises. Headspace is now offering free subscriptions to US based healthcare professionals through the end of this year. Additional guidance includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating healthy meals, engaging in physical activity, and staying in touch with social support systems while respecting distancing guidelines. Healthcare workers should also regularly monitor for the warning signs of depression, including prolonged sadness and feelings of hopelessness. If they are experiencing these symptoms, they should seek professional help immediately.

I could not agree more with the AMA when they state that healthcare work is a noble calling. These workers’ efforts are greatly appreciated, as seen through the daily outpouring of expressions of gratitude for these brave souls across the globe. Their work is making our communities healthier, safer, and stronger. We are indebted to those who are on the front lines, and to those working behind the scenes to keep us safe.

To recognize the sacrifice and dedication of our healthcare workers, we have created a video called Every Kind Word Counts, which includes messages of gratitude and inspiration from patients, staff and families in the UVA community. Watch the video, and then take a moment to thank our team members for their service, courage, and strength at this critical time. We have much to be grateful for.