There are many colleagues working in the NHS, health and social care sector who come from or have family in India.
We recognise the truly awful scale of this disease and the suffering it brings, including for families here worrying about their loved ones, especially when they cannot travel. We stand with them.
Dr Ryan Kemp , CNWL Director to Therapies offered this advice: “It is incredibly difficult to see the suffering in India, especially when some of our staff have family and friends there. It is made more difficult because it is so much more challenging to support from afar these loved ones."
- Remember, like all Covid-19 pandemic waves, this spike in infections and deaths in India will pass. Support your staff, their family and loved ones to take the right precautions and tell them about how this has helped the waves in the UK to be managed. Share your knowledge and be positive.
- Weigh up what you can affect and what you can’t. Focus on what you can do and consciously accept what you can’t change. It can help to discuss this with someone, staff network and say this acceptance out loud.
- Once you know what you can do, for example raising money for charity, work on that trusting this will bring some relief to those that are suffering.
- Don’t neglect yourself during this time. Stay healthy for those that need you. Eat healthy; keep exercising; sleep enough and keep connected to others.
- Along with connection, don’t suffer alone. Talk to friends and family. Seek formal counselling if you think this will help.
- Although it is tempting to look for news on social media, this can make you feel worse. Be careful about sharing upsetting stories, as this will likely upset others. Set aside a small part of your day to do this, say 30 minutes, and try not to exceed this amount of time.
The situation in India might bring about some worrying feelings, if you work in the NHS, health and social care sector, please contact us if you need help and support. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on live chat, telephone or email.
Visit our self-help resources page for more - click here to read.
There are various charities accepting donations to support India: