The COVID-19 pandemic may be easing, but health care officials say that many of their embattled colleagues are only now dealing with waves of long-suppressed emotions.
“The cumulative strain has been significant, and we’re just now starting to see the effects of it,” said Dr. Laurie Hommema, a family physician and OhioHealth’s medical director of provider and associate well-being.
“What happened is people were adrenalized and just pushed through, but once they get their head out of water and are out of that `work, work, work’ mode, they slow down and see where they are.
“I take care of a lot of health care workers in my own practice, and I’m seeing anxiety and insomnia and the beginnings of depression, along with some really complex grief reactions.”