The impact of COVID 19 on health care workers' mental health

1. MENTAL
HEALTH
FIRST AID

2. Greater Manchester Health
and Social Care Partnership
CONTENTS
Sarah Ward
Lindsay Lavantae
1. One You Tips about anxiety about COVID -
19
2. Signs of stress
3. Signs of depression
4. What to do first?

3. Greater Manchester Health
and Social Care Partnership
NHS ENGLAND ALONE LOST 18,631
WORKING DAYS DUE TO ANXIETY,
STRESS AND DEPRESSION IN
2018/19.

4. Greater Manchester Health
and Social Care Partnership
10 TIPS TO HELP IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT
CORONAVIRUS
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried,
sad, helpless, overwhelmed, confused or angry. It's important to remember it is OK to feel
this way and that everyone reacts differently to different events.
There are some simple things you can do to help you take care of your mental health and
wellbeing during times of uncertainty – and doing so will help you think clearly and make
sure you are able to look after yourself and those you care about.
Here are 10 ways you can help improve your mental health and wellbeing if you are
worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak. For specific tips and advice if you are
staying at home, read our advice on maintaining your mental wellbeing while staying at
home.
It is important to follow the social distancing and stay at home guidance when it comes to
seeing and being around others.
The full article can be seen on the link below
SOURCE : ONE YOUCOVID-19 ANXIETY
TIPS
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/

5. Greater Manchester Health
and Social Care Partnership 1. SIGNS OF STRESSMHFA
How you might feel
 irritable, aggressive, impatient or wound up
 over-burdened
 anxious, nervous or afraid
 like your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off
 unable to enjoy yourself
 depressed
 uninterested in life
 like you've lost your sense of humour
 a sense of dread
 worried about your health
 neglected or lonely
How you might behave
 finding it hard to make decisions
 avoiding situations that are troubling you
 snapping at people
 biting your nails
 picking at your skin
 unable to concentrate
 eating too much or too little
 smoking or drinking alcohol more than usual
 restless, like you can't sit still
 feeling tearful or crying
How you might be physically affected
 shallow breathing or hyperventilating
 you might have a panic attack
 blurred eyesight or sore eyes
 problems getting to sleep, staying asleep or having
nightmares
 sexual problems, such as losing interest in sex or being
unable to enjoy sex ?
 tired all the time
 grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw
 headaches
 chest pains
 high blood pressure
 indigestion or heartburn
 constipation or diarrhoea
 feeling sick, dizzy or fainting

6. Greater Manchester Health
and Social Care Partnership 2. SIGNS OF DEPRESSIONMHFA
 Low mood, feeling sad, irritable or angry.
 Less energy and feeling less able to do thing
 Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
 Loss of concentration.
 Becoming tired easily.
 Sleeping and eating less or eating more.
 Feeling less good about yourself (loss of
confidence).
 Feeling guilty or worthless.
 Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and making
suicide attempts.

7. Greater Manchester Health
and Social Care Partnership
MHFA 3.WHAT TO DO FIRST
Remember you are not alone – one in three have experienced mental
health problems whilst in employment but with the right support many
people can balance their health with the demands of a job. Being open
can help you get the support you need:
 Request a one-to-one meeting with your
manager/colleague/someone you can confide in – book some time
where you can discuss your mental health, how it relates to your work,
and what might help you manage your health.
 See your Dr – Book an appointment if you feel you are struggling to
cope/ feel depressed/ stressed or overwhelmed – although we accept
that it may be difficult to get an appointment at this time

8. Greater Manchester Health
and Social Care Partnership
MHFA USEFUL LINKS
• NHS - Moodzone:
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mindfulness/
• I have a black dog, called Depression (video)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc
• Shining a light on Suicide http://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/
• This is Me
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbuJ264H-
Dc&list=PLNKopNWocIBkXFek9UtMX9IMHRr9pYxuS&index=10
• Mental Health First Aider video
https://nhsengland.sharepoint.com/:v:/r/sites/thehub/Media/Mental%20Health
%20support%20videos/MHFA%20subs.mp4?csf=1&e=bYe4cS
• Mindful orghttps://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/
• https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-look-after-your-mental-
health-using-mindfulness
• Every Mind Matters https://mhfaengland.org/every-mind-matters/#tool
• Robertson-Cooper - i-resilience tool
https://www.robertsoncooper.com/iresilience/