Introduction (13)
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Introduction
Since its emergence in October 2018, the novel coronavirus pandemic has brought sweeping disruptions and changes in nearly all aspects of daily life. People are overwhelmed with anxiety following the mandates and guidelines that keep changing from time to time. Empathy is described as an act of being aware of, understanding, and being sensitive to other people’s experiences, feelings, and thoughts without their direct communication (Dolamore, 10). As such, we need to practice empathy at this time, not only because of our sakes but also for the sake of the people around us. Depending on the nature of the disease at hand, how empathy is employed differs for each illness. Undoubtedly, the empathetical behavior of human beings has significantly changed in the face of covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this essay is to explore how empathy has impacted our response to covid-19 pandemic.
Staying Connected
Observing empathetical behavior in the wake of the highly contagious covid-19 is necessary as it helps the patients feel less lonely and more connected. Moreover, it increases the possibility of people reaching out to others whenever they need help. During this time, people must take measures that include self-isolation, quarantine, and social distancing to reduce community spread. While these measures encourage people to focus solely on themselves and turn inward and focus on their family, research suggests that caring for other people is one of the best strategies for fighting feelings of isolation. Showing empathy and partaking in actions to help other people, whether it is writing a note to a friend who is in isolation or giving them donations, can go a long way in increasing our social connectedness. As such, however much we may be striving to keep physical distance from other people to curb the spread of the virus, it does not necessarily mean we have to be emotionally distant. Showing concern to the people one cares about and staying connected to them is equally important.
Maintaining Normalcy for Ailing Patients.
Covid-19 pandemic brought feelings of anger, frustration, fear, panic and confusion and ailing patients within hospitals have encountered these emotions in addition to the pain of the disease. Our lives have been changed in a way we have never imagined or anticipated. Putting ourselves in the shoes of patients and imagining their emotional and physical needs helps us manage the situation better. Nurses and medical practitioners can show empathy to patients by merely showing up to serve them whenever they need help. The pandemic has left many people hospitalized and in need of urgent treatment for pre-existing conditions while others are in dire need of oxygen (Gambin, 29). By simply showing up to serve them in their hour of need, nurses ease their fears and provide a sense of normalcy. As much as life was disrupted, supporting the patients provides them with a sense of stability. Notably, acknowledging the emotions of patients does not necessarily entail matching their emotions. When we greet patients who are angry and frustrated with a warm smile or a saying hello helps lift their spirits. Social distancing does not necessarily have to translate to emotional disconnection.
Moreover, people have begun to understand that the current circumstances do not limit our ability to become better at what we do. We must and should continue being aware of our surroundings. Nurses and doctors who are at the frontline of battling this pandemic should be able to see the waiting rooms through their patients’ eyes. They should ask themselves if the rooms are welcoming and clean as little details are bound to make a huge difference. Additionally, the hospital environment should be distracting enough to enable the patients to switch their mindsets to something more positive. The elderly who remain to be most vulnerable in the face of the pandemic feel lonely and isolated. As such, there is a need to keep reassuring them about taking care of themselves and lending them a listening year. This makes a lot of difference. We always meet patients while they are at their most vulnerable point and the best way of preparing for their physical and emotional needs is by adopting a proactive approach. This requires asking for resources needed by patients and being their hero and courageous advocate.
Self-Care
Worth noting, we must recognize that being a hero is a very exhausting task that strains a person mentally, physically and emotionally. It is for this reason that self-care is extremely important. By taking care of ourselves, we are better placed to take care of the people around us, including families, friends, and co-workers. When a person is not at their best, providing people with exceptional experience can be extremely difficult. As such, it is important to take time to practice self-awareness. One can do so by taking breaks and stepping away from social media and news. Unplugging is vital for a person as it allows them time to emotionally recharge and resting their mind. Self acre makes a person more aware of their surroundings. This way, they remember to keep the people around them safe by wearing masks, especially around vulnerable groups who are the elderly.
Helping Others
Amid the current pandemic, how different people observe empathy has changed. The pandemic has taught us that we might be of different race, religion, economic status nut when it comes to the vulnerability to the disease, everybody is susceptible (Rauhaus, Deborah and Andrew 670). Additionally, we have learned about the interconnectedness of the healthcare systems in various regions across the world. In the midst of everything, we can observe empathy by simply helping others. Everybody is overwhelmed, and being helpful to other people can make all the difference as it provides a sense of empowerment and control. One way people have been employing empathy is by simply staying home and observing the World Health Organization guidelines. Additionally, avoiding gatherings, wearing masks and practicing social distance has become a norm. Notably, people who are in good financial positions should look for ways to support the people who might be struggling. Another strategy would be offering to help neighbours who cannot leave home to get grocery supplies, household items or pick up their online deliveries. Empathy can also be employed by donating non-perishable goods and avoiding panic buying to allow other people to access what they need. Putting together rescue packages for elderly neighbours, healthcare workers at the frontline in the fight against the pandemic and people who lost their jobs can also go a long way in the response against covid-19.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the lives of many people across the world since its emergence. It left many people without jobs and economies were affected in equal measure. In response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, guidelines from health experts require people to stay home as much as possible, wear protective gear whenever they go outside and practice social distance. Empathy is all about putting yourself in the shoes of a patient battling the disease without them having to ask. By being empathetical, the management of the impact of the disease has been made easier. By merely engaging patients with a smile on our faces and being there when they need her, we give them hope for normalcy for the future. We can also employ empathy by taking care of ourselves so that we can also take care of other people in the best way we know how to.
References
Dolamore, Stephanie, et al. “The role of empathy in organizational communication during times of crisis.” Administrative Theory & Praxis (2020): 1-10.
Gambin, Małgorzata, et al. “Factors related to positive experiences in parent-child relationship during the COVID-19 lockdown. The role of empathy, emotion regulation, parenting self-efficacy and social support.” (2020).
Rauhaus, Beth M., Deborah Sibila, and Andrew F. Johnson. “Addressing the increase of domestic violence and abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic: A need for empathy, care, and social equity in collaborative planning and responses.” The American Review of Public Administration 50.6-7 (2020): 668-674.
