Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology

Acknowledging what is right in front of us seems easy enough. We’re living through the shared experience of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.  However, on a regular basis, we tend to move through even the most difficult situations without acknowledging the huge impact it’s having on all of us.

Between each other or in our own minds, we may miss opportunities to reinforce each other and build resilience through admitting the gravity of a situation and sharing the impact it has on us individually and collectively.

This week, let’s talk about the positive impact of outwardly acknowledging the considerable impact COVID-19 has on you, your team members and their families as well as the residents in your care.

Bouncing back on a daily basis can be easier when we connect by shared experiences. We’re all feeling scared, worried, angry, and exhausted. But acknowledging these feelings openly with ourselves and others can build comfort and hope.

Some COVID-era effects that might be helpful to acknowledge for building resilience at home and work include: 

• Helpless feelings come with the pandemic. These can cause us as “helpers” to feel very discouraged or even incompetent at things we generally feel good. These feelings are normal and to be expected under the circumstances. People may benefit from knowing and hearing that it is OK to have feel this way.
• The sense of being out of control is pervasive during COV-19. Stress that comes with all the uncertainties the pandemic brings can be helpful to acknowledge.
• What extra challenges have you and your team faced recently? Name these specifically and acknowledge for yourself and your team that these have had an impact. You might even find some positives that come out of very difficult situations in the workplace.
• Life outside of work is also a juggling act during COVID-19 especially. Acknowledging in the open that you and your team all have your own set of stressors on top of those you share in the workplace can be relieving and build resilience for the team.

For further information on teambuilding during crisis: https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2020/05/28/bmjqs-2020-011447

Additional Support for Staff and Leaders

LeadingAge Minnesota’s COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support Line number is 612-445-8656 or email covidsupport@acp-mn.com. This free service is open to any staff to schedule a 20-minute coaching call. A professionally trained coach will listen to a caller’s concerns and help them create a coping roadmap for stress relief.