💬 Discussion Topic: How do you feel healthcare providers support patients in managing their fears about COVID-19?

[AnnaHU]

In recent weeks, COVID-19 has seen an increase in cases. How do you feel healthcare providers support patients in managing their fears about COVID-19?

[piglette]

IN my case healthcare providers have not supported any fears I may have had over managing any problems. My surgery have never been involved in the vaccination, I had all my vaccinations at sports halls, one by a dentist, another by an ex maternity nurse I am not sure about the others. I would have thought pamphlets or the internet could answer any questions people may have. I cannot think of any questions I would have though.

[john-boy-92]

It wasn't until a recent Radio 4 article about the COVID variant FLiRT, that I was aware of 3,000 current cases in the UK. With the high number of people of working age who are not employed due to illness, I suspect the government does not wish to give it much publicity.

A variety of medical conditions meant that I was classified as clinically extremely vulnerable during COVID, and accordingly, I'm offered regular vaccinations. I still avoid public transport and crowded enclosed spaces. I don't receive any advice from the medical community whether local or national. I can't waste time worrying about COVID-19, in the same way that I don't waste time worrying about a third World War. I participate in several stroke studies by universities, and engagement programmes by stroke organisations as a more positive way of dealing with my health conditions.

[focused1]

The actual question screams the issue that we don't invest in prevention . We haven't the time or resources and in some cases a basic understanding of people .

Anyone who has genuine fear to the point of it messing with , overtaking their lives has anxiety . Take them seriously . Work in partnership with a pharmacy to reassure anyone by offering regular - say once a month to be realistic , guided testing . Fear of 1 thing may lead to a fear of something else so be proactive by addressing with practical solutions as an actual test on repeat is much better than empathy and a cup of tea . Gives a lifeline and a thought that they are being respected and taken seriously this may prevent other issues escalating thus cost effective and 100% more positive for the patient.

First hand -A community psychiatric nurse visited my sister every day for a week who presented with repeated suicide attempts , short stay on a ward then home . Nurse sat in her home making notes and encouraging her verbally to go for short walks and join clubs . I am amazed that the nurse didn't walk my sister to the end of the road , chatting as they walked or didn't arrange transport to these amazing venues with support .Asked what she planned to eat for the day but there was no casual checks or even a walk into the kitchen - door was closed - open it and about 15 mugs were piled on the drainer . This was a tick box visit to check my sister was alive . I sat in on one of these sessions and left very perplexed / puzzled .

[katieoxo60]

In my case ,and remebering I am just one patient I feel it is passed now but my case to spite being very vulnerable received a computorised approach. Even when I contracted the virus no attempts were made to establish source just told to inform doctors surgery. Virus injections still boil down to finding a chemist and getting their yourself or mass clinic for all at surgery on one Saturday. I have to buy my own Lateral flow tests and report if I get a positive result. This is very much DIY health care which some patients cannot cope with.

[Lottyplum]

The healthcare providers and the media are responsible for the fear in the first place+it all goes back to how they treated us, the public, in the first place when COVID hit! They ramped up the fear, told us to protect the NHS, and we are now dealing with the consequences! I do not+will not accept the fear mongering. Are the suicide rates, especially amongst young men, not high enough as a result of the govt response to COVID? We now have an NHS that's not fit for purpose and people desperately trying the navigate the system to support their mental health issues! From the beginning I did not believe the propaganda+ fear mongering+ stayed well away and continue to do so. My age is supposed to indicate I am vulnerable but I refuse to accept as I'm healthy (other than Hashi), active+supportive of family+friends. If the NHS don't or won't support those dealing with fear re COVID, then it's up to us to step in and be the supporter and encourager in their time of stress and/or distress!