Dr Carolyn John  BSc; PhD; MSc; C.Psychol; AFBPsS

​​Covid-19 survivors

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In the early stages of the pandemic, we found that the acute psychological effects of covid included Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, cognitive and memory problems, survivor guilt  and ongoing hypervigilance to threat with heightened generalised anxiety.  Therapy in the early stages of covid symptoms aimed to help survivors to process this traumatic experience, to normalise their response and to learn resilience to manage psychological symptoms. ​​Therapy involved providing a reflective space to take stock of these experiences and their emotional impact and to maximise the effectiveness of coping skills. 

 

​​Long Covid  

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We now understand that some people have developed longer term physical effects which can be debilitating and life changing, in the form of long covid.  

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Treatment seeks to help the person to formulate ideas about how these changes affect the different aspects of their experience, to assess the person's strengths and limitations, to process the trauma caused by these changes and to develop psychological strategies to maximise resilience and enable better practical coping and emotional adjustment. This may involve working within the person's strengths to develop strategies to improve memory, attentional focus and quality of sleep, the strategic use of energy and rest, planning future occupation and activities and to consider the impact upon relationships and how to manage them.

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Staff Burnout in work settings

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Whilst this was heightened during the pandemic, burnout from the demands of the workplace or social environment can occur in any setting. Taking time to reflect upon the environment, identify sources of stress and support, and plan coping strategies, can help you recognise and enhance your strengths and choices. Therapy provides support and helps you navigate this at the most stressful time, building skills and resilience for the future. ​

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