Let’s Make Kindness Contagious Too

Summary

A psych nurse reflects on the British public's overwhelming response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of kindness and the resilience of the NHS, despite personal anecdotes and societal challenges.

Abstract

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a frontline clinician, who identifies as a psych nurse, shares insights into society's response to the crisis. The article highlights the British public's swift and generous volunteer efforts, with a significant number of healthcare professionals returning to assist the NHS. The nurse humorously recounts personal experiences, including a divorce and a relationship with an American girl, to underscore the human element amidst the global health emergency. The piece advocates for a focus on positive behaviors, such as kindness and compassion, suggesting that these should become the norm rather than the exception. It also touches on the psychological impact of the pandemic and the unique perspective the nurse has on societal changes during this time.

Opinions

The author believes in the power of kindness and its potential to become a widespread social norm.
There is a clear appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of healthcare professionals, including the 12,000 who returned to the NHS to combat COVID-19.
The psych nurse uses humor to cope with and highlight the absurdities of both personal life and the broader societal response to the pandemic.
The article suggests that the pandemic has brought to light the best in people, with many stepping up to help the vulnerable.
There is an underlying critique of how society often focuses on negative behaviors rather than positive acts of kindness.
The nurse expresses pride in being part of the NHS, which is depicted as resilient and well-equipped to handle the challenges posed by the pandemic.

And no, viruses do not come from Germany!

Teacher: Okay Emily, make a sentence using the word ‘contagious’

Emily: Yesterday our neighbour started painting his whole house with a two inch brush and my dad said it’s going to take the contagious

As a frontline clinician in the middle of a pandemic, there are two lessons from my training that spring to mind; ‘coughs and sneezes spread diseases,’ and ‘if a psychiatric patient believes they’re running with bulls, then they should be diagnosed as being mentally in Spain.’ Either way, if you’re anxious that an intruder may be hiding in your home while you’re self-isolating, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

I know what you’re thinking —

“This is all very well, but this doctor is talking absolute nonsense!”

I’ll have you know I’m no goddam doctor, I’m a psych nurse, dammit! Actually, my relationship with my ex-wife was very psychological. She’s a psycho and I’m logical.

After my marriage breakdown, I dated an American girl. She used to get me to wear my nurse’s uniform in the bedroom. She liked to imagine she had healthcare.

Less than a week ago the UK Government asked the British public for volunteers to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Volunteers to take care of our most vulnerable, so the NHS can stay focused on the job in hand. Talking about jobs in hand, we should never discriminate against those psychiatric patients that are really bad at handjobs. It’s not their fault they can’t get a grip.

The British Government set a target of 250,000 volunteers. Within 24 hours 400,000 Brits had stepped forward. Within these numbers are 12,000 healthcare professionals, recently retired but returning to the NHS for the duration of the lock-down. This virus might be able to copy itself, but believe me when I say the British NHS is more than equipped for a bout of plaguerism.

Here in the UK, the majority of us are pulling together, working together, adapting together and most importantly helping each other. As a psych nurse, I am privileged to have a panoramic view of society in all its unadulterated degradation, sorrow, pain and hope, kindness and compassion. What I see is people responding to an unprecedented situation. I also see our newest patient responding to unknown stimuli. In such circumstances, it is far easier to focus on the negative behaviours of others compared to the kindness of others. Imagine living in a world where random acts of kindness are the norm, not the exception.

People are already talking about what changes they hope will remain when this is all over. I know what I’m keeping.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle” ― Plato

Let’s Make Kindness Contagious Too

And no, viruses do not come from Germany!

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