Relatives Of Health Workers Are Advised To Communicate More Often Via Video Communication During A Pandemic

Relatives of health workers are advised to communicate more often via video communication during a pandemic

Psychologists of the #WeNear2020 project to support doctors and patients told how to support loved ones involved in the pandemic, and how to recover from work shifts in the hospital.

Photo: bongkarn thanyakij / Pexels

According to the psychologist and organizer of the St. Petersburg Medical Forum Sergei Anufriev, relatives of medical workers involved in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic are faced with a real nightmare - they feel anxiety for their loved ones around the clock, do not see them for weeks.

“Now it has become a problem for many that there is no one to put the child to bed, no one to read bedtime stories. In such cases, we always ask you to be patient and record audio or video messages to your loved ones, not to interrupt verbal contact. You can write letters to your dad or mom who works in the hospital,”says Sergey Anufriev.

The author of the #WeRyadom2020 project, psychologist Nadezhda Safyan advised doctors to find a few minutes to record video messages to their relatives, tell how the day goes by, and not hide in their emotions. She also urged family health workers to provide support to their loved ones, but not add to their stress by complaining of overwhelming anxiety.

“It is very important for the relatives of doctors to get outside support, without broadcasting their anxiety to a loved one. This will be for him increased stress, will increase the feeling of guilt, annoyance. Find a psychologist, ask for support from your close circle. Do not expect that a loved one who is fighting the epidemic will console you, give you the necessary amount of attention, it will be an additional burden for him,”says the psychologist.

Sergey Anufriev reminded that it is very important to observe the diet, sleep, and physical activity in stressful conditions. Harmonization of biochemical processes is very important during this period both for doctors and for everyone who is now in one way or another suffering from a pandemic. The specialist recommended spending more time walking in the fresh air and exercising.

“It is also important to remember that this situation will end, it will not always be so. It gives relief when we are in the midst of difficult events,”Nadezhda Safyan emphasized.