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Any doctor, dentist or pharmacist in Ireland who has a concern about stress, burnout, mental health difficulties or who may have an alcohol or drug misuse problem can receive confidential help from experts at the Practitioner Health Matters Programme.
The Practitioner Health Matters Programme operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded primarily by voluntary contributions and professional associations.
March 29th 2020
An Empathic Ear
Dear Colleague,
As the Covid-19 situation becomes more serious and the nation has been asked to stay home, we are aware that this is the time your workload has increased. There are added risks for all of you on the front line which in turn causes increased concern for your own health as well as the health of your families. It is essential that in these particularly stressful times you look after your own health and wellbeing. In times of crisis we can sometimes lose sight of the basic requirements for wellbeing: adequate rest, hydration, diet and exercise. Reflect on how you can best ensure these needs are met in the coming weeks.
While keeping yourself appropriately informed, it is also important to take time away from the relentless updates on Covd-19. Continue where possible to connect with activities that help you relax and give you joy - music, poetry and the arts in general can be a great source of solace – and it is often recommended to jot down some positives at the end of what will no doubt be very busy days ahead.
Practitioner Health Matters (www.practitionerhealth.ie) will continue to provide you with an empathic ear. We are here to listen to your concerns and to offer you support if you are experiencing difficulties. The most recent public health restrictions will mean that we cannot offer you that support in person but like many other services we will offer you a consultation by video or by telephone during this crisis.
You can contact us on 01-2970396 or confidential@practitionerhealth.ie
With every good wish for the difficult times ahead.
Dr Íde Delargy, Medical Director, Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP)
Dr Justin Brophy, Consultant Psychiatrist PHMP