Symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress are being reported among medical students during this unprecedented time.
Q: Where can I find resources about mental health and wellness?
A: This is an uncertain time for all of us and it is important to prioritize our mental health and overall well-being. Take a walk, call a friend or family member, or just take time for yourself to listen to music, read a book or practice a hobby.
In addition to taking care of ourselves, now is a great time to check in on friends, classmates and loved ones. If there is a classmate or a colleague you haven’t heard from in a while, send a text or email to check in and say hello.
You can also check out Managing mental health during COVID-19 and a virtual art gallery with work submitted by medical students.
Q: I/my partner/someone in my family has tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?
A: The most important consideration here is you or your family member getting the care they need to recover from COVID-19. If testing is available, make sure to get tested and quarantined for the appropriate amount of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided updated guidance on best practices if you’ve been exposed to patients with COVID-19 as well as guidance for returning to work for health care personnel with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
If you or your loved one is quarantined, it is important to still feel connected to others. Reach out to friends and family members via text, email, or video chat while you or they are in quarantine. If possible, plan a virtual game night or find a way to raise spirits from a distance while in physical isolation.
Additionally, the AMA stresses the importance of caring for caregivers during this time. It is important for health systems and health care organizations to create and ensure an infrastructure and resources to protect all members of the care team. Find suggestions on best practices for protecting our health care workforce.
To help prevent infection in the first place the CDC offers guidance on interim infection prevention and control recommendations for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in health care settings
Learn more
Download the COVID-19 FAQs: Impact on medical education and students (PDF).
