Mental health and wellbeing while working from home

The COVID-19 pandemic and now the climate crisis has negatively affected many people’s mental health and wellbeing. Social distancing, quarantine, and isolation can be overwhelming and can cause stress, anxiety, and depression among adults and children. In a KFF Tracking Poll conducted in mid-July, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over COVID-19. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March. The same survey reported specific negative impacts from COVID-19, such as difficulty sleeping (36%) or eating (32%), increases in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%), and worsening chronic conditions (12%).

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF describes what we are facing in this pandemic as “acute traumatic stress.” In addition to feeling stress, we may also feel a sense of sadness and grief due to the loss of how things used to be. Admittedly, that has been something I have been feeling as I have missed simple things like hugging a friend or attending family birthday celebrations.

As we will be experiencing the effects of COVID-19 for some time, it is imperative that we practice self-care, social support, sleep, and take a break from the news and social media to safeguard our wellbeing.

Social support and social support networks are what will get us through these difficult days. Connecting with a friend and/or family members either on FaceTime or Zoom or physically distant can go a long way to lift one’s spirits. Speaking with a professional to help us identify what we are feeling and how to manage these feelings can help tremendously during times like this.

UCSF offers the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) which is free and confidential to all faculty, staff, residents, postdocs, and clinical fellows. To make an appointment, please call the main line at 415-476-8279. If you are unable to reach someone at FSAP, the San Francisco 24/7 Crisis Line is available at 415-781-0500.

Be well.