Learning Journal: Week 8- Stressed out

University of the People

Course: HS 2212 – Infectious Diseases

Instructor, Ola Adetokunboh

23rd March 2023

REFLECTION
Stressed out

The only infectious disease epidemic that has had an impact on me is COVID-19. I didn’t feel

stressed or worried, just frustrated and angry at not being allowed to go out. Fortunately, I was

able to work, because as an English teacher, we used an-online platforms to teach. After the

initial shock of being ‘locked up,’ I decided to start a workout routine to help me destress and

think positively about the situation. I also encouraged my students to think of a new hobby they

wanted to try and to focus on that and take time out from doing their homework to connect with

friends or do something they enjoy doing.

What physical or mental suggestions would you give to the patients under your care?

Summarize the basis on your recommendations and what you expect the outcome to be.

As a physician, I would do the following -

- First of all, check websites such as CDC, WHO, NHS and government websites for reliable

information as opposed to reading the news or media as this proved to be based on speculation

rather than facts (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA],

2014).

- Research the microorganism and illnesses related to this from the above reputable sources.

This would give me a better understanding to help my patients with their anxiety and it would

help me to put strategies in place for treatment and prevention.

- Advise my patients to limit their time watching or reading the news, instead focusing on

reading for updates from credible websites as stated above, which should hopefully reduce their

anxiety (SAMHSA, 2014).

- Explain to my patients, that following an outbreak of infectious disease, people generally

experience changes in behaviour like eating unhealthily and misusing drugs and alcohol which
Stressed out

can impact on their emotional, cognitive and physical well-being such as feeling stressed and

anxious (SAMHSA, 2014).

- Explain to them the importance of taking care of themselves in such situations and furnish

them with information on how they could manage and alleviate their stress by eating healthily,

taking regular exercises, and focus on the positive things they enjoy and can control and advise

them to avoid alcohol and drugs as this will only amplify their anxiety levels (SAMHSA, 2014).

- Provide them with a leaflet on the typical signs of stress to look out for which would also

include relevant numbers of people to contact should they or their family members show any

signs of stress (SAMHSA, 2014).

The outcome would be that the patients remain calm and positive as they have all the correct

information and strategies in place to help them.

If that long-distance threat suddenly became a reality in your community, how would those

recommendations change?

Firstly, I would consider the healthcare workers and give them information on protecting

themselves, provide them with PPE, and help them ease their fears. Also, equip them with a

counsellor’s number whom they could talk to in confidence if they became too anxious or

stressed.

What would be your new strategy to aid the residents in your area?

I would put the following strategies in place to help the residents in my area.

- I would remind them that they should focus on reading for updates from reliable sources

and avoid watching or reading the news 24/7 and the benefits of staying healthy and positive by

looking after their own mental health and physical well-being.

Stressed out

- On the hospital website provide them with updates on the disease and information about the

importance of staying connected with friends and family to help diminish their anxiety and stress

levels and encourage them to register for emergency text alerts to stay abreast with the news

(SAMHSA, n.d.).

- Strongly advise them to follow the guidance provided by the government regarding social

distancing, washing their hands regularly, and wearing a facemask in public places to help stop

the spread of the disease.

- Call the more vulnerable patients directly to provide them with relevant helpline numbers

and encourage them to call their family or friends should they start to feel lonely or isolated

(SAMHSA, n.d.).

- Provide counselling sessions remotely via FaceTime or Skype for those with physical

health and mental health needs, including those who misuse substances (SAMHSA, n.d.),

because being in quarantine or isolation can cause a person to relapse which could be due to

boredom, frustration, anger or worry about their jobs or other family members.

For the patients who are on medication, I would ensure they knew who to contact for repeat

prescriptions (SAMHSA, n.d.). Most importantly tell all the patients to remain hopeful, calm and

positive.

Word count excluding references and headings, 621

References
Stressed out

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Coping With Stress

During Infectious Disease Outbreaks. SAMHSA. Retrieved March 18, 2023,

from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4885.pdf

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Tips for Social distancing,

Quarantine, and Isolation during an infectious disease outbreak. SAMHSA. Retrieved

March 18, 2023, from

https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/product_thumbnails/PEP20-01-01-007%20-

%20Thumbnail.jpg.