PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — For the first responders and front-line workers who have served us all during the pandemic, there is a lingering threat that in some ways may be greater than COVID-19.
The toll of the coronavirus can be seen in extreme staffing shortages in virtually every hospital in America, as well as areas like emergency services. Certainly, the increased workload and the tremendous stress of risking personal harm while helping others can’t be underestimated, but psychologists say there is an additional issue: burnout.
One of the leading causes is a human defense mechanism: denial. In the short run, denial can be helpful, but in the long run, the blunting of emotion exacts a heavy price.
Studies have shown that one of the best ways to prevent burnout is to face emotional stress head-on.
Ultimately, this is less exhausting than the energy used to suppress emotions, but many have been overwhelmed by the impact of the past year.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.