Necessity of meeting self-care needs
It is one of life’s unfortunate ironies that at those times when we most need to give special attention to such things - when we are experiencing high levels of stress, for example - we may be more likely to neglect them. This includes those more basic needs, such as eating regularly and ensuring sufficient rest. It’s important to acknowledge that this can also be influenced by factors outside our control and despite our best efforts, such as lack of support within the workplace.
Finding ways to mind ourselves and attend to our mental wellbeing is essential, however, in order for our work-lives to be sustainable at present. An analogy that may be helpful to keep in mind is the key principle from airplane emergency instructions of securing your own oxygen mask first before attempting to assist others.
Suggestions for self-care
Research is demonstrating that the impacts of the pandemic include a risk to the mental health of GPs and other frontline healthcare workers. Obviously, the larger community must do its part to reduce such risks for healthcare workers, but giving some thought to how you can fulfil your self-care needs may also be very worthwhile.
Some of the things that may be helpful to focus on include:
- Cultivating an attitude of self-compassion
- Ensuring sufficient rest and breaks during the work-day, and prioritising your sleep routine
- Carving out time in the evenings and at weekends for restorative and enjoyable activities
- Keeping informed from reliable sources, while doing so in manageable amounts
- Staying connected with others, including colleagues, family and friends
- Accessing varied sources of support both within and outside work.
Information, advice and suppport
- College of Psychiatrists of Ireland
- Mind the Frontline
- the government's In This Together campaign
- the Psychological Society of Ireland
- the Irish Medical Times
- the United Kingdom's Beat COVID wellbeing strategy for healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, the Irish College of General Practicioners (ICGP) has a dedicated section on its website concerning doctor’s healthcare and wellbeing. A list of resources and information on where to go for help and support is also available from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, while the Practitioner Health Matters Programme is an independent and confidential service for “any doctor, dentist or pharmacist in Ireland who has a concern about stress, burnout, mental health difficulties or who may have an alcohol or drug misuse problem”.
Finally, our GP Portal hosts a film on GP burnout, in which Professor Jim Lucey discusses the nature of delivering a health service, while taking your own mental health into account.
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