Novel Virus, Novel Stressors: Emotional Support Resources for Physicians and Health Care Providers

By Lynne I. Wagner, PhD

Anxiety is a normal, emotional response to a threat, and COVID-19 has threatened each and every one of us to our core. COVID-19 has added unique challenges and uncertainty to an already overwhelmed health care system populated by a health care workforce teetering on professional burnout. COVID-19 has significantly increased work demands by elevating the medical complexity of caring for patients with cancer. Social distancing requirements have led to changes in workflow, the need to learn new processes and technologies to deliver telemedicine, and physical disconnection from our patients and colleagues. Unknowns related to the course of the pandemic contribute to our demands by requiring constant adjustments to a shifting landscape.

This novel virus introduces novel stressors. Changes in our work and personal lives are occurring in tandem with diminishing resources in the workplace, including reduced access to equipment intended to keep us safe and reduced staffing due to illness.

In very simple terms, stress occurs when demands exceed our resources. When demands are on the rise as they currently are due to COVID, an excellent strategy to recalibrate the stress equation is to bolster one’s resources. The most effective way to reinforce your coping resources is to employ strategies that address both the controllable and the uncontrollable aspects of the stressor

Many aspects of this pandemic are out of our control, including its course and the behavior of this novel virus. People get stuck when they dwell on uncontrollable aspects of stress, which can lead to worry and rumination. First, focus your attention on using problem-focused coping strategies to address controllable aspects of current stressors.