'We became heroes but they've already forgotten us’

Medical staff in Italy say the trauma of dealing with coronavirus is only just hitting them now

We hear their stories

[Thread] http://bbc.in/CoronavirusPTSD 

"Things are much harder now than during the crisis"

Monica is an Intensive Care Nurse and says as the strain of the pandemic fades, so does the adrenaline

"We had an enemy to fight. Now that I have time to reflect, I feel so lost, aimless”

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"We feel surrounded by darkness"

Paolo took portraits of his colleagues in a Covid-19 hospital, to show how they were coping as Italy moves into ‘Phase 2’

"It's like we are full of wounds. We carry everything we've seen inside us”

http://bbc.in/CoronavirusPTSD 

"When we deal with a crisis, our body produces hormones that help us handle stress"

"But when you finally have time to reflect on what happened, and society moves on, it can all come crushing down and you feel more exhausted and emotionally distressed"

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Even the simple things can become overwhelming says Martina

"Every time I try to go for a walk, I feel anxious and I have to go back home immediately"

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Many health workers now feel that it's almost as if this pandemic never happened

Elisa, a doctor, constantly sees people not social distancing

"They're putting everyone in danger. It's so disrespectful to me and all my colleagues”

http://bbc.in/CoronavirusPTSD 

Public recognition is the most powerful way we have to help health workers struggling with PTSD, according to a study by Dr Barello

"All of us, we have a crucial role to play right now. Make sure we don't forget what doctors and nurses did for us"

http://bbc.in/CoronavirusPTSD 

Some 70% of health workers dealing with Covid-19 in Italy's hardest-hit areas are suffering from burnout

You can read more about their stories here: http://bbc.in/CoronavirusPTSD