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 )