I'm Just Not Myself ....

“I’ve been a bit testy over the past few weeks with patients, colleagues, staff, and my family. I’m just not myself.” Physician Colleague

It’s no secret that these are challenging times that are placing an emotional strain on everyone.  Amid these challenges, how are you maintaining awareness as to how you’re responding (or more commonly, reacting)? 

Neuroscience teaches that our brain lives in a constant dynamic dance between our amygdala and our prefrontal cortex as it scans the environment for “threats,” both perceived and real.  And left unchecked, the brain will error on the side of “threat” every time by giving our amygdala the final say.  While this is quite appropriate for a potential immediate threat (snake!), the system does not work as well for the constant real and perceived threats that the COVID-19 pandemic has created.   

 Under those circumstances, we will often start to exhibit “symptoms” of our distress, including the way we interact with others.   The result will be us living in our “D” game (D as in Distressed, Disconnected, Distracted, or Dismissive), and this often doesn’t go so well.

 The antidote is to have a plan to regularly stay emotionally grounded.  That plan might include exercise, proper sleep and nutrition, a hobby, prayer, and meditation.   Having someone who can function as listening ear and “early warning system” can also be quite helpful.  This is where your PeerRx partner help you.  By inviting them to give you feedback when you’re “testy” and dialoging with them about your stressors, you can circumvent potential relational damage while you re-ground.       

Remember, living in that “D game” space benefits no one.  Let your buddy help you show up as the better version of yourself.