This is the 2nd in a series of 'COVID-19 Supporting Doctors' podcasts hosted jointly between Dr Rachel Morris, host of the 'You are not a Frog' podcast, and Dr Caroline Walker, host of the 'Joyful Doctor' podcast.
In this episode, Caroline and Rachel explore how we can manage our sadness, anger and grief through the evolving pandemic.
In these very difficult times, Caroline and Rachel are working together to bring you as much support as they can. We’ll be tackling various different topics as they emerge in order to help doctors cope with the emotional challenges of what's unfolding.
In this episode, we talk about the sadness and sense of loss that we are all feeling at the moment. Grief brings with it many different emotions and reactions – from shock and denial through to extreme sadness and anger. Many of us are experiencing a lot of these emotions right now and IT’S OK AND NORMAL to feel like this.
When we suppress our emotions for too long it can be bad for us. We discuss how to release the emotions in a healthy way which doesn’t catch anyone in the crossfire and how accepting what we are feeling and making allowances for others to feel that way too is crucial in times like these.
Our top tips are:
Caroline
- Feel the emotions
- Vent your anger healthily and safely
- Share your sadness with others – we’re in this together
Rachel
- Give yourself time and space to allow yourself to experience the emotions and let them settle.
- Make room for joy in your life – even when it’s hard out there
- Make extra allowances for yourself and others
Doctors – we need you more than ever. Keep caring for yourself. Keep kind.
Contact Rachel – rachel@wildmonday.co.uk Twitter - @DrRachel Morris
Contact Caroline – caroline@joyfuldoctor.com Twitter @@joyful_doctor
Show notes and links:
Coronavirus wellbeing support for doctors Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/77725...
The Joyful Doctor Website http://www.joyfuldoctor.com
Shapes for Doctors Website http://www.shapesfordoctors.com
You Are Not A Frog website http://www.youarenotafrog.co.uk
Tea and empathy Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/12156...
The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living by Russ Harris
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happiness-Tr...
BMA Wellbeing Service
https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-li...
The NHS Practitioner Health Programme
https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/