Ask Dr Louise

I’m a doctor who qualified two years ago. I was so proud of reaching my goal of qualifying so I can help people. But now I feel helpless watching patients dying of Covid-19.

The nursing staff look at me with eyes pleading for me to do something. The worst of it is I can’t even allow these patients the comfort of having their loved ones near. They die lonely and alone.

I always depended on science and feel as if it’s letting me down at present. Before the pandemic I was glad to get up in the morning and go to work and try to save lives. Now I feel like running away. I feel I have an impossible task and that I’m not up to it.

I’m reluctant to discuss my thoughts with the senior medical staff as I’m afraid they’ll think me incompetent. Dr C, email

I’m quite sure many of the senior medical staff feel exactly as you do. This pandemic has reminded us all of something important – that human beings are fallible and fragile in some ways and that all our knowledge and experience is sometimes not enough to save us.

Success in the field of medicine isn’t about preventing death but about how well you fight for your patients. Your patients will know if you tried your utmost and that’s enough! Most people realise that medicine has its limits too.

When your shift is over, know that you’ve done your best. Go home and fill your mind with happy thoughts. You need balance in your life because of what you’re dealing with at work. Laughter, music, good food, a nice chat on the phone with a friend, a good book, documentary or movie – these are some of the good things in life.

If you still struggle to get your energy back, talk to a senior colleague – someone you trust and admire. You’ll most likely find that you’re not alone in how you feel and that sharing it helps a lot.

If need be, take an antidepressant until the pandemic is over so you can have the energy to do what’s expected of you. And thank you for the excellent work you’re doing.