ROB MURRAY: I’m speaking with Dr. Kendra Barrick from the Bow Valley Primary Care Network. We are heading into a very strange upcoming Christmas here, and I know it’s very tempting to want to try to do those family gatherings and the things we normally would do at Christmas. I don’t know if that’s a good idea right now, is it?

DR. KENDRA BARRICK: Exactly. As we got those regulations from the government, they highlight the importance of being safe and to avoid indoor and outdoor gatherings. That definitely takes away all those joy of those family gatherings. It’s hard to stomach, but I think at this point we have to remember we’re in a pandemic. We have to stay safe. This is not going to just magically go away. It’s going to be tempting to bend all the rules and see your family, but if we can avoid those temptations now, I think we’re going to be seeing some more benefits come 2021. All I ask is for people to try their best to remain diligent and follow the guidelines. They’re there for a reason.

RM: What are some things you might say to people right now who might be resistant to some of this messaging and might think it’s not a big deal to get together with their family?

KB: In our clinic, in the hospital, in the ICU, we’re seeing COVID on the rise. We are seeing doctors being redeployed into different areas of training. We are looking at maximum capacity because of this. We can control some things, and this is a chance for us to take control over a concept that is still quite novel. It’s just important that if we can follow the rules now, again, 2021 has a lot more promise.

RM: I remember at the beginning of the pandemic, back in March, there was kind of a general sense like, oh, I’m going to take up a new hobby. I’m going to learn how to make bread. I’m going to rock this lockdown. December is here, and I don’t know about you but I’m starting to feel a little bit worn down, mentally speaking. Is that a common thing you’re noticing these days?

KB: Rob, you are preaching to the choir. On a daily basis we’re seeing so many people from the Bow Valley just saying enough’s enough, I can’t do this anymore. I hear you loud and clear. This is not easy. This is a pandemic; we’re not prepared innately for this. All we can do is try to find ways to distract ourselves through these more challenging times. It’s been great seeing on the Facebook pages all these local initiatives to support local businesses, support those in need. I challenge everyone to find a way that they can help out and support someone local or just be there for a friend.

RM: Are there some local resources available for people who might be struggling with mental health or might know somebody who’s struggling right now and want to connect them with some things?

KB: Absolutely. Mental health is very important, so please reach out. A lot of the family clinics are be open. It might be slightly limited hours, but don’t be afraid to reach out to your family doctor and start that conversation. We’re here to chat. We can do that over the phone. Obviously if there’s an immediate danger, suicidal thoughts, you aren’t able to keep yourself safe, you can always call one of the local hospitals because we have those services available there, as well as you can always call 911. You can visit. The Bow Valley PCN website has a complete list of those mental health resources that are available.

RM: Taking some occasional social media breaks might not be bad for mental health too. I know scrolling my news feed there just seems to be a lot of information, some of it conflictingn and some of it from sources that I’m not really too sure about their authenticity. What’s the best way to get the most up-to-date authentic information about COVID-19 vaccines, etc.?

KB: There’s always a good meme here and there that can make you chuckle. If that’s not mental health therapy, I don’t know what it is! All joking aside, the AHS website gets updated regularly. I go there when I have a patient come in with questions just to make sure that my facts are accurate. They’re posting a lot about what to expect with vaccines as well, so just a good overall source of information.

RM: How are you holding up? In conversations you’re having with your health care colleagues locally, how’s everyone doing?

KB: We’re all humans. We want to see our family and do the Mexico trips and things like that. At the end of the day, we’re serving a purpose to help our community, and that’s really worthwhile. I’m very privileged to be a doctor and a lot of people in the healthcare community love helping others. If we can continue to focus on we’re helping our community, we’re helping our patients, I think that’s our mantra.

Filed under: Bow Valley PCN, covid-19