Feeling thestrain
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought its fair share of stress to the dental profession over the last two years. Throughout the pandemic, clinical psychologist Alex Hof has presented webinars and workshops to ADAWA members, advising on coping with the stresses and strains of COVID-19.
As Western Australia’s rate of community infection continues to rise, Alex is again on hand to offer advice and support to dental practitioners in the State. She notes that dentists are under particular financial pressure, as dentistry does not lend itself easily to telehealth. “One of the fundamental principles in psychology is that all of us find uncertainty challenging, even those of us that thrive on change,” Alex says. “The reality is, we all have our limits. “When you have uncertainty, when you feel like you have very little control over key aspects of your life, then your level of psychological distress is likely to escalate, not because you are weak but because you are human.”
TAKING CONTROL In uncertain situations, Alex suggests accomplishing small tasks. “If you’re good at playing the card game bridge, join an online group and play. If you’re good at making a particular meal, then make it. “Try to think about little projects around the house that you can do and get a sense of achievement from getting things done. It might be weeding the rose garden, cleaning the pantry, painting the spare room. Take pride in what you have achieved, lean back, have a cup of tea and think ‘I did that’. It really helps get back that sense of being in control. “Every time you turn on the radio or open a newspaper there is doom and gloom over COVID and this can get to you,” she adds. “So being consciously aware of those things you can do and can control is important.”
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EDITION 4 | 2022 WESTERN ARTICULATOR
GO BACK TO BASICS “Try to get a bit of exercise in, even if it is just walking the dog,” she says. “Get out into nature once a week. Catch up with friends that make you laugh.”
DON’T JUDGE YOUR EMOTIONS Be aware that individual stress signs can be physical, behavioural, cognitive or emotional. “It’s important not to judge your emotions and think you should be coping better. Some people may look like calm swans – but beneath the water you have no idea how much their legs are thrashing around,” Alex says. “It’s also important to recognise that a problem shared is a problem halved; it sounds simplistic, but it’s true. Talking with a friend, finding those people who are good listeners and having a chat can make such a difference.”
IF YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT A COLLEAGUE It’s always best to say something rather than nothing. “A useful strategy is to comment on the difference you’ve noticed in them,” she says. “Don't jump to a conclusion but say something like, ‘Are you OK? You've been a bit quiet all morning,’ or ‘Are you OK? It’s not like you to snap at the reception staff.’ “Reflect to them what you have observed. There can be all sorts of reasons for a change in a person's behaviour. If they say everything is OK but your gut feeling is that it’s not, then you can say, ‘OK but I'm here if you need anything,’ “And if, in the following days, the person's behaviour continues to concern you, you can ask again, but gently, and again tell them what you have observed,” she adds. “And then just be available.”