Close Your Eyes and Breathe
by Heidi Pritzl, MSW, LCSW
(Written at the end of March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.)
A ❤️ to all my social work friends from Hawaii to New York.
Happy Social Work Month! What a month it has been! We have trained for this. We may not always wear masks or gowns. However, we are “essential” employees. Whatever role you have in this pandemic, I want you to know, you make a difference!
As you call your patient who is in isolation to say hi.
You are making a difference!
As you provide telehealth to a patient who is homebound.
You are making a difference!
As you comfort a grieving patient who cannot attend a loved one's funeral because only 10 people can attend.
You are making a difference!
As you continue to support your co-workers, nurses, and doctors.
You are making a difference!
A sign (shown above) hangs in my office that says, "Close your eyes and breathe." It is a daily, sometimes hourly, reminder to stay in the moment and take care of myself as I take care of others.
Close your eyes and breathe!
You are making a difference! ❤️
Heidi Pritzl, MSW, LCSW, graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with her bachelor's and master's degrees. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Ascension Koller Behavioral Health, as well as a certified Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Master Trainer educating on suicide prevention.