Why Psychologists are Critical Healthcare Workers in the Post-COVID Era

Introduction

2021 began with the hope of the release of the first COVID-19 vaccinations and now ends with the hope that a cure will be discovered. The virus landed quickly in 2020, catching us off guard. During these two years, people around the world experienced food stockpiling, lockdowns, job losses, and restrictions in their lives. Everyone felt a sense of loss and helplessness. 

The current Covid-19 outbreak has had serious psychological and social consequences on the people. 

The most vulnerable populations, such as children, college students, and health workers, are more prone to acquire post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other distressing symptoms. 

People’s relationships and their perceptions of empathy for others have been impacted by social distance and security measures.

Impact of Covid in peoples’ lives

The Covid-19 epidemic resulted in stress, which has major psychological and social consequences for the all people around the world. People’s relationships and their perceptions of empathy for others have been impacted by social distance and security measures.

Some aspects of the pandemic had more impact than isolation itself, including the loss of loved ones, the loss of independence, feelings of uncertainty and the feelings of helplessness, leading, in many cases, to even suicide. 

While it affects people differently, people are still at risk of developing anxious symptoms. It is not a surprise that latest studies have detected emotional and behavioural changes especially during quarantine. 

Among the symptoms, people experienced difficulty concentrating, boredom, restlessness, irritability, nervousness loneliness and worries. 

Health care workers in the first line are another part of the population specially affected by the pandemic. These people have shown to develop symptoms common in life threatening situations, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, physical and emotional exhaustion, burnout, and dissociation. 

And not only them, but their families have been also affected via the contagion route. Because of Covid, health care workers suffered high level of psychophysical stress. They have experience what is known as a secondary traumatic stress disorder, caused by the feelings of discomfort when they had to decide whom to help and whom not to. 

It’s not a surprise that a large percentage displayed started showing depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress. Not to mention all the obsessive thoughts that they experienced and still experience.

The pandemic threatened social cohesion, which is very important for our health. During this disaster, people have lacked the necessary buffer against distress, as psychologists were lacking knowledge. 

Covid was a surprise for everyone. During these years, psychologists research and studied human beings under isolation and tried to come up of the necessary tools to boost mental wellbeing. 

The role of psychologists

Psychologists provide several advantages, especially in the current situation of pandemic, especially online, during lockdowns, when there is no opportunity for face-to-face sessions. 

Online psychological services can help people in short period of time, reducing the risk of contagion as well as the feelings of anxiety in both clients and psychologists, who feel uneasy doing psychotherapy in person due to Covid. 

The main advantage of this online service is that it decreases the waiting list for consultation, because it can take place anytime and from anywhere in the world, saving time and costs, for both clients and psychologists. Furthermore, psychologists can provide support to people who especially do not have access to any social environment or have problems in their mobility.

Not least, clients may feel more comfortable, as sessions take place in their comfort zone and from their own space.

Post covid psychologists are finding it easier now to establish a therapeutic relationship with their clients, especially when it is done via the internet. Psychologists not only focus on high-risk populations but now can also focus on tackling the covid related issues which include among others anxiety, depression, fatigue, and cognitive problems. They also work with vulnerable individuals, their family members and co-workers, as well as the whole communities. 

Furthermore, psychologists are conducting continuous research which helps the government, industry and the public in responding to this crisis. They promote plans and services which can help people in distress so they feel calm and supported to cope better with their challenges. They can also assist someone to manage their situation and make informed decisions. 

In a societal level, psychology demonstrates a range of physical and mental health outcomes, which include an establishment of personal identity and belongingness, shared support among the members of the community and the development of healthy social relationships of trust and support. 

The pandemic threatened social cohesion, vital for health. Psychologist will also alleviate the social disconnection that was caused, and offer buffer against distress, boosting mental wellbeing. Communities, with the help of psychologists will actively support their members and strengthen identification as well as help giving practices. 

These are all the benefits that psychology can provide, and with the help of psychologist in the post covid era, we are sure to overcome the problems that this pandemic cause to all of us. 

Conclusion

The need for psychological support and access to it appeared to be stronger than ever, during this pandemic. Psychologists, taken by surprise, like the rest of the world, had to understand the psychological needs in this situation and improve their knowledge and abilities in order to meet them. 

Their role was vital during the pandemic and will be more important after this situation is gone. What they gained from this situation will only enrich the library of knowledge regarding disasters and trauma. Their services will be more important now, in order to help people overcome the stress and the trauma causes, as well as to teach people again how to be social.