Table 1 Personal coping strategies discerned from physicians’ social media reflections
From: Changing self-concept in the time of COVID-19: a close look at physician reflections on social media
Personal Coping Strategies | |
|---|---|
Taking Action | |
Speaking out ▪ Expressing personal emotions and grievances ▪ Honouring and mourning deaths of colleagues and patients ▪ Emphasising shared humanity and taking a stand against discrimination ▪ Spreading awareness of COVID-19’s severity ▪ Sharing COVID-19 information and dispelling myths ▪ Illuminating ways in which healthcare workers could be directly supported | |
Practising self-care by disconnecting from medicine â–ª Distancing from social media â–ª Engaging in religious activities and prayer â–ª Immersing in hobbies such as exercise, reading and other home projects â–ª Indulging in humour by creating light-hearted videos and viral challenges | |
Adapting with an open mind ▪ Using e-platforms to broach physical distance with loved ones ▪ Developing novel ways to comfort and communicate with patients ▪ Upskilling and learning to refashion medical equipment ▪ Supporting intensive care units as a volunteer ▪ Serving as an informal mentor to junior members of the healthcare team | |
Reframing Thoughts | |
Validating one’s own: ▪ Actions as morally necessary ▪ Personal strengths such as resourcefulness and resilience ▪ Past experiences as a source of knowledge and preparedness ▪ Professional commitment to caring for patients ▪ Professional duty as offering life purpose and satisfaction | |
Focusing on gratitude for: ▪ Accessibility to personal protective equipment ▪ Job security ▪ Family’s health and safety ▪ Opportunities to witness patients recover ▪ Opportunities to work in a dynamic and skillful team ▪ Colleagues working on the frontlines |