The dual stress of COVID and social justice
Some women psychiatrists of color are dealing with social justice issues on top of other COVID stressors, Dr. De Faria said. The focus on addressing institutionalized racism means that minority women are taking on extra work to advocate for their peers.
Michelle Jacobs-Elliott, MD, of the department of psychiatry and assistant dean of the Office of Diversity and Health Equity at the University of Florida, Gainesville, knows of such responsibilities. “I have been in many discussions either with my coworkers in my department or others who work for the University of Florida” on systemic racism, she said in an interview.
Dr. Jacobs-Elliott became a trainer for Bias Reduction in Internal Medicine, a workshop aimed at reducing bias, and prior to 2020 participated in a social justice summit at the University of Florida. “Talking with my medical as well as undergraduate students about their experiences both here in Gainesville and elsewhere, they are all feeling the hurt, disappointment, and disbelief that we are still fighting battles that our grandparents fought in health care, housing, and employment. This adds an extra layer of stress to everyone’s life.”
The tense social climate has made the apparent racial inequalities in COVID-19 deaths and severity of disease hard to ignore, Dr. Bell noted. “It is my sincere hope that the availability of COVID-19 vaccines will help decrease the number of people affected by this horrible disease. The added burden of racism on top of the stressors of this pandemic can feel insurmountable. I hope 2021 will provide a way forward for us all.”
Taking time for self-care
Amid the endless referrals and increasing demands at home, women psychiatrists often don’t have the time to do normal activities, Dr. Meltzer-Brody observed. Like most people, COVID restrictions prevent them from traveling or going to the gym or restaurants. Dr. De Faria has not been able to visit family in Latin America, a trip she used to make twice a year. “That was once my de-stress time. But now, I can’t connect with my roots. My father is elderly and very much at risk.”
This is the time to get creative and resourceful – to make time for self-care, several sources said.
“We need to realize that we cannot be all things to all people, at the same time,” noted Dr. Bell. It’s important to prioritize what’s most important – and keep assessing your priorities. There’s no shame in tending to your own needs. Dr. Bell recommended that women in her profession should pick 1 day a week, put it in their calendar, and stick to this goal of self-care.
“Even if it’s only 15 minutes, it is important to put time aside. Some quick, cheap ideas are to do a quick meditation session, read a chapter in a book, listen to an audiobook, journal, go for a walk and get fresh air. Eat a healthy meal. Even 10 minutes helps,” she urged.
COVID-19 has pushed society to find new ways to do things, Dr. Bell continued. Women psychiatrists, in assessing their work-life balance, may need to reassess their goals. Consider work schedules and see if there’s a place to scale back a task. Delegate tasks at home to family members, if necessary. Most importantly, exercise self-compassion, she stressed. “During this pandemic, I believe it is vital to keep our cups filled so we can pour into others.”
Dr. Lakshmin said she has benefited greatly from having a therapist during the pandemic. “It has been so instrumental in forcing me to take that time for myself, to give me a space to take care of me, and remember it’s okay to take care of me. It’s so important for us as psychiatrists to have that for ourselves. It’s not just for our patients – we need it, too.”
The APA has resources and numerous support groups that meet regularly to address and discuss the stressors of the pandemic. Its College Mental Health Caucus, for example, holds a monthly, hour-long Zoom meeting. Not surprisingly, women comprise the majority of attendees, Dr. De Faria said. “Most women in academic psychiatry are working from home and using telehealth, which isolates people a lot.” Maureen Sayres Van Niel, MD, who is head of the APA’s Women’s Caucus, sends out a regular newsletter that advises on self-care. Women psychiatrists should also contact their local psychiatric organizations to get support from their professional peers.
Sometimes it’s wise to leave work behind and engage with friends. Dr. De Faria regularly Zooms with a group of friends outside of her profession to de-stress and reconnect. “At least I can talk to them about things other than psychiatry.”
Mentally and physically exhausted, Dr. Jacobs-Elliott said she looks forward to the day when society can return to meeting with friends and family “without being afraid that we are an asymptomatic carrier who is infecting our loved ones.”