Western Health’s own Dr Ines Pedrovaz has been promoting the benefits of seeking mental health support alongside the launch of TEN – The Essential Network, an app supporting Health Professionals to manage life and work through COVID-19.
Developed by health professionals for health professionals, TEN is described as a one stop resource and help centre, providing self-assessment, self-management and treatment for stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.
Ines says the app is one of the many tools we can use to help us to feel as safe as possible in the current circumstances facing health care workers each day.
Ines has worked as a Registrar in Sunshine ED since July 2019 and is now joining ICU Footscray as a HMO.
She sought help through Western Health’s Employee Assistance Program(EAP) and encourages colleagues to look after their mental health.
“The number one thing is to acknowledge the emotions and know you are not alone. Not everybody will feel comfortable saying it out loud or sharing it at their workplace but it’s important that within yourself, you try to figure out whether you do need that extra help and what format will help you the most,” Ines says.
“I think the important thing here is to just know that everybody at some point will have felt the same and that there really isn’t anything to be ashamed of, and if anything it’s an extremely human, natural reaction to what we have been going through.”
Ines’ first contact with EAP provider Caraniche happened by chance at the Wellness Hub after she’d finished a night shift. Speaking to a Caraniche representative there made her want to pursue formal counselling over the phone a few weeks later.
“I don’t think you can really replace one-to-one counselling. They (Caraniche) are extremely professional, really easy to get hold of, they are actually fantastic. The whole process was super easy from the moment I emailed them.
“I initially felt really guilty that I was struggling. I still had my health, job security, my home to go to and I had supportive family and friends, yet I felt so overwhelmed. Guilt was the main thing I shared with the counsellor in the beginning and she said that is the most common to be feeling this way when you think you should be the one keeping the boat afloat. But you shouldn’t. You should embrace what is happening and acknowledge that it is OK to have points of weakness.
“We stop ourselves from going further in terms of mental health support because we don’t think we deserve it and other people deserve it more. What Western Health is doing is saying you not only deserve it, you need it. Here are the resources, please use them. It helps to know that someone has your back and is trying their best to keep you safe.”
Ines also spoke highly of the importance of support from her team.
“Your team is your extended family in the workplace. It’s important now more than ever for that extra support. The team is what makes it worthwhile.”