Earlier this month, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced resources available to help physicians cope with increased levels of distress and anxiety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These resources build on the AMA’s efforts to ensure physicians and other front-line health-care professionals have access to tools to manage their own mental health and well-being as they continue caring for patients.
Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA
“The emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is significant enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned physicians and health-care workers,” said AMA President Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA. “Our new mental health resources offer recommendations and strategies that physicians can deploy to help alleviate the immense pressure they’re facing. In turn, this will enable them to deliver the best care possible to their patients, including those impacted by COVID-19.”
Some of the resources available to physicians include a mental health resources page with specific information on how physicians can take care of themselves, their staff, and their patients. The AMA is also providing health-care professionals with free access to Headspace, a mindfulness and meditation online app. For more information, visit www.ama-assn.org.
