Clinical Nurse Consultant Diana Ristevski is just one of the Mercy Mental Health (MMH) team who has seen first-hand the effects of the pandemic on mental health. Diana works at the Clare Moore Building at Werribee Mercy Hospital, which provides inpatient mental healthcare for people living in the western suburbs.
Fear of contracting the virus, worries of an uncertain future, negative reports in the news and financial strain as a result of unemployment are all factors adding significant distress to those already suffering from mental illness. Lockdowns are also having an impact.
“The pandemic has been a tipping point for many people who already feel flat and anxious about what their future holds. It just gives them more to worry about,” says Diana.
Mercy Mental Health Clinical Nurse Consultant Diana Ristevski.
“Additionally, some people have found self-care very challenging during this time, especially as some healthy coping strategies are harder to practise with the coronavirus restrictions in place,” Diana continues. “If their default outlet is substance abuse during stressful periods, their level of use generally increases and this, in turn, causes their mental health to further deteriorate.”
While physical distancing requirements have impacted the way mental health staff engage and connect with people, there are no restrictions on kindness and empathy.
Being kind and walking alongside people in their distress with great care and sensitivity has been especially important during this time.
Diana has found that treating people with extra compassion and sensitivity during this time has been the most effective approach.
“Being kind and walking alongside people in their distress with great care and sensitivity has been especially important during this time,” says Diana.
“Our connection and level of empathy for each other as a team has also shone through,” Diana adds. “Health professionals are always so busy looking after others that they often forget about themselves. The pandemic has taught us to be grateful, to slow down and truly appreciate our co-workers. It has further strengthened our cohesion as a team.”
Last reviewed August 15, 2021.