Entertainment
Dr Alex George taking a break from work in A&E after ‘long and hard’ year on coronavirus frontlines
Dr Alex George has announced he is taking a rare and much-needed break from working on the coronavirus frontlines the past year.
The former Love Island star is an A&E doctor at Lewisham and Greenwich Hospital in South London and has helped to treat patients battling Covid-19 since last March.
However, he recently realised that he needed to take a break after trudging through gruelling months, which has also included the death of his younger brother in July.
Opening up about his recent struggles, Dr Alex told his Instagram followers on Sunday: ‘It’s been a bit of an up and down week.
‘I always want to be honest with you guys and the last thing I want is for my page to be a highlight of good days, hiding the bad. It’s been a long and hard year, which ultimately takes it’s toll. I have really felt it this week and I am aware I need a break.
‘I am taking a full week off from Tuesday. Recognizing when you are becoming stressed and acting on it, is so important.’
He continued: ‘There are good times on the horizon as well as things I want to a achieve, most importantly in my role but also in my personal life and with my new brand (which I am rather proud of 😊).
‘To be able to do this I need to look after my physical and mental health. Never be ashamed to take a break, when you need it. I believe it’s a sign of self awareness and ultimately strength.
‘Happy Sunday everyone and remember to be kind to yourself 💙.’
The reality TV star recently reflected on what it has been like to work in A&E during the pandemic and said it has been a ‘privilege and an honour’ to work alongside his NHS colleagues.
Dr Alex has been praised for his efforts at keeping fans online informed and up to date amid the pandemic, as he used his social media platforms to alleviate concerns followers had, when it came to things like wearing a mask or doubts they had about having the vaccine.
In recent months, he has also driven the push to prioritise mental health during the pandemic.
His mission saw a breakthrough earlier this month when a staggering £79million was approved towards youth mental health.
Reacting to the incredible news, Dr Alex said after meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson: ‘This is a huge moment!! I am so pleased to announce that the Government has approved £79 million for youth mental health!
‘I could actually cry, I have been pushing so hard for this but it couldn’t have happened without the incredible work of everyone involved.’
He added: ‘Thank you to everyone working in mental health, you are rockstars in my eyes.
‘When I started this journey, I dreamt that we might be able to give young peoples mental health the attention it deserved, I am so so happy that we are making positive moves in the right direction.
‘The work doesn’t end here, this is just the start.’
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