COVID-19: Self-care for Health Professionals

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland > COVID-19: Information and Updates from CPsychI > COVID-19: Self-care for Health Professionals

COVID-19: Self-care for Health Professionals

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and further information becomes available, the College will be constantly providing new information to ensure the health and safety of our members and staff while promoting best practice at this trying time for the medical community. Click here for an evolving list of information by the College for all members and staff.

Please find below useful resources for self care and mental well-being for clinicians during these trying times.

It is important to note that if you are on leave from work due to Coronavirus or other illness and so unwell that normal work would not be possible interviews /consultations with patients even via tele and/or video communications should be postponed until you are recovered. Give yourself time to recover before resuming working remotely.

— Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak by the World Health Organization includes information targeting different groups to support for mental and psychosocial wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak. It includes information for the general public, healthcare workers, team leaders or managers in health facilities, care providers for children, and older adults, care providers and people with underlying health conditions and those in isolation.

— From that document we have highlighted information provided to healthcare workers and team leaders or managers in health facilities here.

— Minding your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak by the HSE. Also see the HSE general information page on Coronavirus for more general information.

— Health and wellbeing for doctors during challenging times by the RCPI.

— Signposting for health workers looking for support during COVID-19 by Workwell.

— Mental Health of Children and Adolescents during the Coronavirus Pandemic by ESCAP.

“Mental disorders can be severe or life-threatening disorders, therefore our treatment facilities must stay open as long as possible. E-therapy and e-counselling services allow us to maintain our therapeutic relationships with many of our patients and their families. Health systems all over Europe have to react and adapt to incorporate these approaches” Professor Joerg Fegert, ESCAP Policy Division Head.

— Caring for the Psychological Well-Being of Healthcare Professional in the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis from the Irish Medical Journal

— Social Media Spread During Covid-19: The Pros and Cons of Likes and Shares from the Irish Medical Journal

— Stress Management for Health Professionals