A Letter to My Social Work Friends From Coast to Coast: You Make a Difference During This Difficult Time

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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.