Person-directed violence and aggression will become yet another epidemic as a result of Covid-19

 Physicians working to treat coronavirus are reporting an increase in stress, anxiety, depression and "disruptive behavior". Unfortunately, physicians are reluctant to access counseling or psychotherapy based on the risks of career derailment.

The Joint Commission of The Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has approved Emotional Intelligence Coaching for "disruptive physician behavior" since 2008. This coaching includes Pre and Post Assessments as well as skill enhancement in self-awareness, self-control, social awareness and relationship management. 

The incidence of domestic violence is already reaching alarming rates worldwide. The orders to stay at home, social distance and self-quarantine are meant to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, for survivors of domestic violence, their home may not be the safest place.

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations confirms the surge in domestic violence is global. Domestic violence advocates are currently reporting an increase in people calling help hotlines. Becky Lee with Becky's Fund, a non-profit in D.C. that works to end domestic violencesays:"These survivors are seeing the additional stress of having this place where you are with that person all day long and not having any outlets. Sports are not going on, you can't go to the gym, maybe with work even the added stress of financial stress of maybe losing your job or having to work from home, no child care," Lee said. "All these different factors are adding to tensions of being not only already in a situation where you are walking on eggshells because you have to be in that physical space with your abuser."

It is clear that Certified Anderson Management Facilitators who offer Emotional Intelligence Assessments and intervention will be in demand worldwide. In contrast to psychiatric treatment, emotional intelligence coaching is stigma free.