Supporting the Individual
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges have dedicated a page on self-care
tips and resources to utilize during the pandemic, some of which have
been summarised in Table 3 below. ( Table 1 )
Several validated scales can be employed to assess one’s own mental
health state. The most prevalent outcome measure in the UK for
depression and anxiety would be the PHQ-9 & GAD-7 respectively. Further
notice should be given to IES-R as well; a short assessment for
traumatic stress symptoms. Alternative measures also include Zung’s
self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS).
All questionnaires are highlighted below (Table 1 ).
If clinicians struggle with regular compliance for mindfulness apps -
practical steps have been created that can be followed, specifically
during this period. FACE COVID is a 9-step programme that healthcare
professionals can hold in mind, based on key principles of Acceptance
and Commitment Therapy.38 Among the steps outlined
involve acknowledging one’s thoughts, identifying available resources
and instituting the appropriate measures. (Table 1 )