Lockdown 2.0 fears over increased anxiety, stress and emotional distress
As England settles in to Lockdown 2.0, it’s natural to feel anxious or worried about what the next few months might hold. With increasing numbers of Coronavirus cases, many are worried the 1 month lockdown could be extended into two. Following the summer’s lengthy and strict lockdown measures, many are worried about the effects further isolation could have on those already struggling with their mental health. Here at Duty to Care, we want to reassure NHS workers that we are here, and we are ready to support you with free access to mental health and wellbeing services.
The British Medical Association released a statement that thousands of doctors reported in their survey that the NHS will struggle to cope this winter due to rising COVID-19 cases and the backlog of patients. 37% of doctors also reported that hey believed lockdown measures would be ineffective in controlling the virus. More than 6,500 doctors were surveyed across the NHS and many raised concerns about the millions of patients on ever-growing waiting lists.
More than 40% of staff also said their anxiety, stress and emotional distress levels had got worse since the beginning of the pandemic. With many reporting high levels of anxiety about the autumn and winter months ahead. 66% said they were quite or extremely anxious about work in the coming months.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said:
“Doctors know that this winter is likely be one of the most difficult times of their careers. They are extremely worried about the ability for the NHS to cope and their ability to care for the needs of their patients. These survey findings show the enormous scale of the challenges for the NHS in the coming months – and they reinforce the BMA’s call for a national and strategic approach to getting this virus under control.”
The survey revealed many doctors are deeply concerned about patient care with 65% stating staff shortages as a big worry. Many also reported concerns over colleagues having to self-isolate due to COVID-19 and the impacts this is having on patient care. 60% of doctors said they were worried about their own personal health and wellbeing, with a further 58% worried about their ability to care for COVID-19 patients.
Duty to Care founder Harriet Hunt said:
“With so much uncertainty and with everybody in the UK facing challenges in the coming weeks one thing is certain – pulling together and showing support and kindness is going to be key. One of the things that helped not only healthcare workers but everybody through the first wave was the support shown by other people.
At Duty To Care our position remains unchanged: If any NHS worker feels stressed, anxious or burnt out and in need of support they can register with us and access help via the directory. Thank you to everybody for continuing to support us so we can continue to provide sessions with therapists and wellbeing experts."
Duty to Care’s Medical Advisor, Dr Serena Rakha, said:
“It is completely normal for NHS workers to feel anxious and fatigued especially this time of year with winter pressures. It is important to reach out and ask for help , this is part of practicing safely in any NHS setting. So we shouldn't feel ashamed in seeking support.
We have never experienced this in our careers and we will get through this together. We must continue to show kindness and compassion to not only our patients but each other.”