Frontline Workers Are Vulnerable To Mental Stress, Reveals Report

Amidst reports on how several frontline health workers lost their lives during their fight against Covid-19, a detail study report, which was jointly done by Ministry of Health & NIMHANS (Bengluru) jointly released by the health ministry.

- Snehanshu Shekhar

As per experts COVID-19 pandemic has thrown an unprecedented challenge for mental health across the country. This battle becomes long-drawn, the health care workers (HCWs) in the frontline have become particularly vulnerable to mental stress.

Worries about risk of infection to self and their families, adequacy of protection, long working hours, being in quarantine/isolation, and separation from families can lead to severe psychological distress among health professionals.

The widespread social and economic disruption has also impacted most HCWs. This has created a cycle of concern, worry and distress. If not effectively-recognized and handled, this can transform into more severe distress, even leading to suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Rule out rule: When there is a performance concern, rule out the possibility that it may be related to a mental health issue before you consider action.