Reassessing your E-PPE Supply
“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion.” Dale Carnegie
“Will this #&@$ pandemic ever end!?!” So were the honestly transparent emotions shared by a colleague who had 2 care team members out with positive COVID tests this past week. I didn’t bother to try and answer the question, but certainly could relate to the sentiments. Last year our collective will and emotional reserves were running on fumes. Little did I know that one year later, staff turnover and an overall lack of staffing would be the catalyst for an emotional breaking point for so many.
Here’s what I’m seeing (and often experiencing): anger, frustration, resignation, fear, demoralization, agitation, angst, weariness, exasperation, guilt, shame – just to name a few. While a year ago many of us were emotionally raw, we now seem to be feeling more emotionally spent. We’ve just “had enough.” As I hear of more and more colleagues “losing it” in the midst of clinical responsibilities (and I think, “Yeah, I get it even as I know it’s wrong.”), it becomes painfully obvious how many others are teetering on that same edge as they struggle to hold it together. I can see it in their eyes.
With the many “pseudo-ends” of the pandemic past us and as our seemingly unrelenting challenges continuing, the resulting spread of negative emotional contagion demands that we heighten our “protection” yet again, both for ourselves and others. As such, maintaining an adequate supply of emotional PPE (E-PPE), donning it appropriately, and stocking up for the fall is essential to our present and near-future well-being. Here’s how that might look:
Mask – Allow your E-PPE mask to be a reminder that words matter. Watch yours carefully, being mindful to not spread any negative emotions to others. Additionally, insist that others wear their “word filters” around you in order to block the spread of any of their own negative emotions. Because it can sometimes be difficult to understand the speech of those wearing masks, clarify anything that sounds concerning to you and assume positive intent. And look for opportunities to “unmask” for smiles and laughter. We sure need those now more than ever.
Goggles/Face Shield – While most of us have abandoned our physical goggles or face shield, your E-PPE version is more essential now than ever. Have an even greater awareness of making eye contact when speaking to others. While wearing these, sometimes your vision can become foggy, so be sure to regularly seek the perspective of others to clarify what it is you think you are experiencing.
Gloves and gown – Use appropriate E-PPE protection and distancing when necessary, but don’t allow caution to become a barrier to essential relationships and life-giving connection, including the vital human need for physical touch, be it a fist pump, elbow bump or hug.
Remember, even as physical PPE appears to be in sufficient supply for the short-term, it is our collective emotional PPE that is more important than ever for the protection of ourselves and others. The good news is that we don’t need to depend on a supply chain to replenish our stocks. Emotional PPE is in abundant supply, so if you feel yours is running low, a colleague (your PeerRxMed buddy for one!) is always there to help. Commiserate as needed, and then support each other to get to a more life-giving place. In these emotionally laden times, we need to be remembering that now more than ever. No one should care alone … ever ….
NOTE: For those of you who may be struggling emotionally, please access the many resources available to you, included the Emotional PPE Project, a free mental health service started by some colleagues during the pandemic. Here’s the Link