Superheroes Without Capes: Thank You, Docs! You Give Us Care And Hope

The last two years have been difficult and stressful, to say the least. While schools, offices and other establishments were shut and we stayed home safe with our loved ones, doctors and other healthcare workers have been working day and night, away from their families for long hours, since the pandemic began. By risking their own lives to save the lives of others, they have undoubtedly become our true superheroes. Many selfless doctors all over the world have even lost their lives while treating COVID-19 patients. Last month, the Indian Medical Association said more than 600 doctors have died due to COVID-19 in the ongoing second wave in our country.

We contacted some doctors, who shared their apprehensions, hopes, and personal challenges during these difficult times. They also told us what we need to do to keep ourselves and our families safe.

DR PRITAM MOON

Consultant Physician, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai

This year's pandemic (the second wave that began in Feb/March 2021) is different from last year's in many ways—the way the coronavirus affected the population, the lack of resources, the number of patients coming in, and the high mortality rate. People were anxious about the impact of the second wave, but we (the team of doctors) were hopeful that this wave would subside. We kept our mood and morale high, and a smile always works. We handled many complicated cases. But I hold this one case close to my heart. There was this 40-year-old who was critical, and by the Almighty's grace was saved when she came to the OPD (outpatient department). Her 8-year-old daughter hugged and thanked us for saving her mom. That was such a joyous feeling!

Tips for Tough Times

• This, too, shall pass; it's just a matter of time. Stay strong, eat right, stay healthy.
• Connect with your family members, keep them busy and active.
• Invest time in things you like. Reading, cooking, dancing, listening to music, and gardening can relieve stress.
• Stay in touch with your loved ones via phone.
• Don't believe the rumors circulating on social media, as they can stress you out.
• Don't venture out of the house unless there's an emergency.
• If you notice any abnormal changes occurring in your body, consult a doctor. After all, the need of the hour is to keep the virus at bay.
• Adhere to the COVID-19 protocol of masking, social distancing and hand-washing.

DR NAVNEET KAUR

General Physician, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi

This year, many people lost their lives as they did not seek medical help, being unaware of the severity of their infection. Many people experience a condition called happy hypoxia, which occurs when you're not aware that your oxygen levels are extremely low. I was determined to save as many lives as possible, and helped many patients by offering treatment or guidance on visits to the hospital. I also did my best to help many of them get hospital beds. This kept my spirits up.

I have to be honest. Being a medical professional and a parent is doubly challenging. For many medical professionals who are also parents, learning to compartmentalize both lives can be difficult. Both roles may cause poor sleep, an irregular schedule, stress and an array of emotions. Many doctors feel being a medical professional doesn't make them a better parent, but being a parent makes them a better doctor. As doctor parents, we tend to obsess over our child's well-being and are not always available for our family. Work-life balance can be pretty challenging.

Tips for Tough Times

• Take a break from social media
• Start a new hobby
• Make a proper schedule
• Practice self-care
• Exercise
• Create happy hours (virtually)
• Focus on gratitude
• Stay safe, exercise and eat healthy
• Let go. Don't hold negative emotions and prejudices
• Change is the only constant. Remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get going!

We on the front lines promise you that we will not let you lose hope, and in return, hope you stay safe and have patience with us.

DR SURABHI SIDDHARTHA

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Mumbai

Dealing with COVID-19 stress and keeping my kids strong mentally and physically have been challenging, even as I stepped out every day to care for my patients. There were times I felt anxious and scared, thinking, "What if I bring home the virus?"

The second wave has caused so much restlessness. Everywhere we hear news of our relatives or friends dying or falling sick. Supporting family and friends over the phone and video calls has become a necessity. Dealing with their mental and emotional health has been tough, but we did it. A very close doctor friend almost went into depression during this second wave, as she saw many families and friends losing their loved ones. I would call her twice every day, concerned about her whereabouts. Standing strong was tough, but doing so was important.

I know it's equally difficult for my kids. They have not been meeting their friends and their teachers for over a year now. Additionally, there's my absence due to our frontline work. To deal with such stress, we as a family have been involved in many things. We made sure that we had a family exercise time almost daily. Having breakfast together was one more good thing this lockdown taught us. Also, talking about the day with each other helped. Cooking good food for the family and involving kids in cooking helped them stay happy and productive. We played board games with the kids every night and watched something funny on TV. We kept our kids away from stressful news. Only basic news was conveyed to them. We even connected with our close friends and family over video calls. Celebrating birthdays and anniversaries on group video calls has kept us close to family and friends.

All co-curricular activities that can be done online, like dance and music, continued. We also added a few activities, like chess, based on their interest. We stayed alert as to what was being taught at school. These steps indirectly helped my children stay away from binge-watching TV shows or playing games on their gadgets.

The entire year has been very challenging. One day, I got the news that my dad was not keeping well at my native place. Being a doctor and a daughter, it was my responsibility to be with him. It was again my duty not to travel and keep my kids and family safe. That was a time when my husband and kids told me that I should go and take care of my dad. A strong family support is always important to sail through any tough situation. I could travel to my native place when traveling was scary. I could successfully take care of my dad and then bring him back to Mumbai for better care. In the meantime, I stayed positive and got myself tested to keep my kids safe. I'm thankful to my husband and children for being strong, supportive and understanding.

Positive Vibes Only!

The only thing that can help you remain strong and happy is a positive attitude. Eating healthy food, exercising daily, and laughing with your family bring out all those positive vibes. Many times, doing some pebble art and drawing with my daughter, or dancing with her, has destressed me. So did involving my son in Sunday breakfast preparations, as well as playing the keyboard with him.