What is the best gift to yourself?

Words DR CARLOS SANCHEZ, MD

Who would have thought that something like social distancing would ever be implemented globally?

Social interaction is innate in humans, and gifting and receiving is part of it. There has been a dramatic detrimental effect on mental health in recent weeks, with depression and anxiety skyrocketing. One of the worst possible tortures that someone could endure is solitary confinement. It creates intense anxiety with mental repercussions, as well as physical symptoms like hypertension, headaches, heart palpitations and dizziness.

When we are at our lowest, exhausted and feeling disconnected, how nice it is to receive an unexpected gift, and even nicer when you see the expression of the person receiving that gift. It creates certain human emotions, a contagious joy, like crying from feelings that are uncontrollable when gifted from family or friends. Sometimes it is not even something material, but an experience or even a good talk with a friend that you haven’t seen for a while. I think one of the best gifts you can give or receive is social interaction in moments of difficulties when a simple chat can brighten the future. This has been the case with some of my friends in Spain, where rigorous lockdown has had a significant mental toll, to the point of suicidal ideation. Thanks to technology, we can keep in touch and receive that call, making a vast difference to our outlook, even in these hard times.

I believe there should be a balance between gifting and receiving. There are some people who are givers, without realising. I think this can sometimes drain you, particularly when you are a health worker. It is well described as the Burnout Syndrome in medical professionals from the exposure of chronic stress, when we try to give as much as possible to get the best outcome for our patients. An example of an invaluable gift is to receive a letter with a few words of recognition and positive feedback from someone you have helped. Again, it is something that is not material but can create such a feeling of fulfilment. Bear that in mind the next time you visit your doctor or health worker, particularly in these difficult times when they have been on the frontline of this terrible global event.

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