Where do we go from here?

Blog 14/11/2021

As a physician, I am not entirely sure about a whole lot as we rapidly turn into the third year of pandemic living. I cannot really give you a definitive prognosis of where Omicron is going to take us, or how many it will take from us. I am not even particularly confident of the public health approach at this moment where this virus seems to outsmart us repeatedly. (A critical reminder that this is not a failure of science, but is just how science works. Science is constantly evolving; science is an endless search for answers that are rarely ever definite.)

Nonetheless, what I do know is that we truly need each other more than ever today. COVID has pulled us 6 feet apart, and the connection disfigured to the point of not being recognizable from what we knew. What we need is not division … not hatred … is not violence, but what we desperately need is more love, empathy, wisdom and compassion toward one another.

What I learned is that in clinical care, bearing another person’s vulnerability means connecting with them and sharing their suffering without necessarily relieving it. It's what makes a lot of adversities bearable, all the challenges of life we have to go through. Without kindness, none of that has meaning.

At times when we approach the limits of our scientific knowledge—when an additional round of chemotherapy won’t help, or the cure we strive for remains elusive—that is when reaching into one’s bag of art and creativity are most necessary. It’s not uncommon to reach the limits of conventional cures.

The concept of tapping into the creative mind as a way of problem-solving and healing is one of several treatment options I pursue. Participation in theatrical groups, storytelling, visual arts, writing, and dance can affect blood pressure, heart rate, pain reduction, balance, flexibility, mental health, and overall wellness. So, in conjunction to traditional evidence-based medicine, I encourage my patients to become proactive in nourishing their emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being by exploring new avenues of healing and reaching for a daily dose of creativity!

Many of us are experiencing stress, worry and other emotional challenges right now as a result of COVID-19. We have 2 psychotherapists who have generously volunteered their invaluable time to attend the sessions with us every other Wednesday. One of the psychotherapists specializes in accessible cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They will help us to understand our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, and to help us refocus and find inner peace and purpose. They will offer complimentary consultations and offer some insight on how to deal with heightened stress and anxiety. The principles are inspired by positive psychology, focusing on helping you adopt a positive daily outlook on life.

We will discuss ways to develop resilience and coping skills to better manage any mental health concerns.