All health care workers are heading towards a breakdown, notwithstanding the outer facade of calm. Be patient with them 'cause you really do not understand what they are going through.
They are carrying a burden and worries they cannot discuss with you.
They get to know information before the general public which they cannot share with you. They feel unsure.
They are questioning everything they used to know. They are scared for their families. They are scared for themselves. They feel unprepared as they fight this fast-changing elusive killer. They feel guilty for increasing the risk to their loved ones.
They are obsessively thinking..#"Did I wash my hands enough?", #"Did I touch my face today?", #"Is changing outside and going straight to the shower going to be enough to keep my loved ones safe?", #"Are we going to run out of PPE?", #"Is it safe to change the PPE recommendations because we don't have enough to go around?", #"Did I have the virus on me when I walked into an elderly patient's room?", #"Will I be the one that gives her the virus that ends her life?”
They struggle to sleep even though they know they need sleep to stay healthy and sharp.
They want to hug their children but are too afraid. They want to see their parents, friends, loved ones, the people they turn to when they need to feel loved and reassured but they know it would be foolish and risky so they hold back.
They are concerned about their work- family. They see the stress on their faces. They are trying to make the right decisions when no one really knows what the right decisions are.
The recommendations are changing daily. They spend hours reading, learning, thinking through scenarios and trying to be prepared for the unknown. They want to provide the best care to their patients and remain safe.
Their patients can no longer have their loved ones with them. The healthcare workers have taken the place of their daughter, son, preacher, sister, brother, friend,etc.. They are their reassurers, the voice of reason, the soft-hearted, strong person they can rely on..
So for those of you who love a health care worker or have one at home, or a friend who's working with covid patients just be patient with them.
They are struggling.
