If life still feels upside down, that’s because it is. Summer weather didn’t slow down the coronavirus. Many parts of our lives continue to feel like a roller coaster ride: school is on, then it’s off; places are open, then they’re closed; and worries about work, finances, social unrest and loved ones alone in nursing homes and hospitals are, well, still worrisome. What are we feeling? Call it COVID-weariness, emotional exhaustion, burnout or compassion fatigue—it all boils down to unusually stressful times with no end in sight.
Emotional exhaustion refers to feeling mentally and emotionally drained from accumulated stress. It affects people differently, but it can include both emotional and physical symptoms. It’s normal to have days when we feel directionless, overloaded, or unappreciated. Feeling this way can take a toll on our immune system, blood pressure, weight, and overall sense of well-being.
The emotional signs of exhaustion include a loss of motivation, feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated; having an increasingly negative outlook; feeling alone in the world, and having a decreasing sense of satisfaction. Physical symptoms may include feeling tired regularly, frequent headaches, tension/muscle pain, stomach upset, craving carbohydrate “comfort” foods, sleep problems (not enough or too much), chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and frequent illnesses.
Our actions can show signs of exhaustion or burnout too. Missing work or coming in late and leaving early, putting off tasks or taking longer to get them done, avoiding (virtual) social interaction, using food (or drugs and alcohol) to cope, and taking frustrations out on others are behaviors associated with too much stress.
Many major life events (raising children, having a baby, money concerns, working high-pressure jobs, caregiving, death of a loved one, divorce, living with chronic illness, or injury) can trigger these symptoms. Then add the events of the past months, and it’s understandable if you aren’t feeling yourself.
A related type of weariness often felt by nurses, doctors, therapists, and other professional caregivers is called compassion fatigue. It’s not that you don’t care, it’s that you become too physically, emotionally, and psychologically exhausted to feel for others. Essential workers who spend long hours on the front lines where the risk of infection is greater are prone. This type of fatigue has crept further into the mainstream as our concern about the health and safety of our loved ones and 24/7 reports of loss, hardship, and violence continue.
One of the best ways to manage stress during the pandemic is to stay in touch with friends and family. Talking by phone or video chat (or email) means you are sharing news and burdens. It helps to discuss current events and other topics that are funny or important to you. Especially for those who are more isolated (like the elderly or people who live in remote areas), staying in touch helps reduce the sense of feeling alone.
Now is a great time to reconnect with people from the past. You never know when a call or letter from an old friend or colleague may brighten their day!
Chatting with a friend on the phone (or in-person safely distancing and wearing a mask) while you walk is a way to stay connected and active.
During these unprecedented times, it helps to focus on how to reduce demands on our energy and build up our reserves. Here are some tips that can have lasting effects:
While it is impossible to remove all of life’s stressors, it is possible to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Pick one or two areas to work on, and with some time, we hope you’ll be feeling a bit more energized.
If you feel you need a little more support while you make some lifestyle changes, reach out. Your employer may offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or consider visiting a therapist (many now offer virtual visits). KnovaSolutions can also provide information and support through this stressful time. Ask your clinician about our new mobile messaging app—a tool for staying in closer touch with your KnovaSolutions nurse.
KnovaSolutions is here to help! Give us a call at (800) 355-0885 Monday to Friday, 8 am-8 pm, Mountain Time.
The information contained in this newsletter is for general, educational purposes. It should not be considered a replacement for consultation with your healthcare provider.
KnovaSolutions is the clinical prevention service of HCMS Group. This service is available to Alliance Health Plan participants at no additional cost, helping manage complex healthcare situations by gaining a better understanding of their choices for medical care, treatment, and medication.