Practice tip of the week: How clinicians deal with grief

With all the useful information available on Physicians Practice, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

With this in mind, the tip of the week is a chance to reflect on some of the wisdom found all across the site.

In an May 2021 story on how clinicians deal with grief, Stephanie Queen writes the following:

“How can clinical caregivers ease the corrosive effects of grief on their lives? We must start by consciously taking better care of ourselves, because self-care is the most proactive and responsible step we can take. Here’s a list of simple but effective ways medical workers can reconnect with and replenish themselves:

• Be kind to yourself
• Recognize that you need to rest, eat, exercise, etc.
• Spend time on things that bring you joy
• Talk it out/express yourself to someone you trust
• LAUGH
• Make time to acknowledge the work you do day in and day out
• Breathe
• Shower
• Get fresh air
• Let light into your life

Families, friends, and colleagues of clinicians struggling with grief also can help by acknowledging what they are going through and offering support. Indeed, talking with coworkers who understand these experiences and emotions is one of the most powerful strategies for clinicians to cope with grief.”

Come back next week for another tip of the week.