SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: 9 Ways We've All Become Better Human Beings During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Press release from SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

January 27, 2022

If you’re reading this, you deserve a pat on the back and a hug. You’re amazing. If somebody has sent you this, it’s because they want you to read it and think about it and believe it about yourself. All of it.

As a psychiatrist, I treat many people who have endured various types of psychological and emotional trauma. This pandemic has ripped through all of our lives, pulled the rug out from our routines, mercilessly taken away our loved ones and steadily eroded our physical and emotional health. We, as a society, have collectively endured (and continue to endure) psychological trauma since the pandemic started. When treating traumatic stress, it is important to recognize the strengths of the victim.

Here’s a rundown of some of our shared COVID-induced strengths:

I encourage everyone who has read this to step back and consider your own journey through this shared traumatic experience. Take inventory of your symptoms and needs, and please seek professional help if needed. Openly processing our grief and struggles with friends, loved ones, and/or trusted clinicians is integral to psychological, emotional, and spiritual recovery.

My boss asked me to write a blog post with a positive tone to try and help lift people’s spirits. I hope that these words have achieved even a small part of that goal for you!

This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.