As a lifelong overachiever, I always thought I could handle stress well. In my early years of high school, I juggled varsity sports, music, clubs, debate, work, and a busy social life, all while maintaining straight A’s. I had dreamt of attending an Ivy League university since I was 12, and in high school, I did everything in my power to make that a reality…
My turn to get vaccinated finally came on a Thursday in early January.
As a psychiatrist at MGH working with patients with serious mental illnesses, I had provided in-person care throughout the pandemic, with anxiety about getting infected myself mostly in the beginning when we were still sorting out infection control measures…
One way or the other, the COVID 19 vaccine is on peoples’ minds. Should I or shouldn’t I? If not now, when? Is it safe or is it not? Is it safe for some but not for others?
For me, the decision came relatively easily- I’d been getting vaccines and boosters all my life with no ill effects. Statistically speaking, my age and health conditions put me in a “higher risk” category for contracting COVID…
Q: What have been some of your personal challenges during COVID-19?
A: Not being able to see loved ones has been very difficult. I haven’t been able to see my daughters. One is in Canada, the other one is homeless and using. I can’t put myself and my family here at risk. We need to keep safe. And then having to deal personally with working outside of the home, as a front-line worker, and essential staff. Trying to do everything possible to keep myself healthy, to take proper precautions. Wearing the mask, sanitizing, washing my hands…
“Essentially overnight, my kitchen table became my office. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my practice as a Fellow in Public and Community Psychiatry at the North Suffolk Mental Health Freedom Trail Clinic, a community mental health center, has shifted from 100% in-person visits to conducting nearly all appointments by telephone…
“Two weeks after the COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines were implemented in Massachusetts, I found myself in pajamas and realized that I had fallen into a slump with my wellness on the line. Recognizing the need to better take care of myself, I finally decided to reach out to my recovery community both for personal support and to better understand the impact that this pandemic was having others…
