BRIEFS: Coping with Stress

Physicians and caregivers face stressful situations daily, but the COVID-19 pandemic has shone alight on their emotional wellbeing needs. Retired physician WilliamMorgan, MD, MA, is Founder of the Arizona Asthma and AllergyInstitute. After retiring from medicine, he flunked retirementand went back to school for a graduate degree in counselingpsychology. He is particularly interested in physician resilience. Dr. Morgan says the simplest method to seek support is to follow guidelines found online at mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

MAKE A TOOL KIT

WHAT NEEDS TO BEDONE | Simple things like groceries and activities of daily living

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY | Planyour hikes or take-out from your favorite restaurant

JOURNALING | It helps to ventilate both tough and good times

COMMUNICATE | Call a familymember, friend, colleague or mentor every day. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while — chances are they need to hear from you too.

PROVIDE SELF-CARE

SLEEP | Get 7-8 hours, set a routine to wind down, limiting screen time

EXERCISE DAILY | Even a short 20-minute walk helps

RELAX AS NEEDED | Try deep breathing and a pleasant memory

LIGHT THERAPY | If you are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder

MEDIA CONSUMPTION | Know when it is time to walk away

HEALTHY ACTIVITIES | Do things you enjoy but avoid alcohol and drugs

SEEK COUNSELING | Often hard for physicians to do, but nobody can go this alone