Work is surging again

Recovery
#1

Work is surging again..
I work at a normally busy hospital in LA county and I’m starting to feel super anxious again because we are currently surging. We started turning other areas into make shift ICU’s for overflow. The last surge is what escalated my drinking 10 fold. Although, I know it wouldn’t have mattered if we surged or not, my drinking would have ended up the same way eventually.

I am just feeling the anxiety and the trauma that came with watching so many people die alone. Of watching my coworkers die and their loved ones. I am literally the one they see before we put them on life support and then I am the one they see before we pull the tube because family has decided to stop their loved ones suffering.

I don’t know how I’m going to cope this time. I have yet to develop healthier coping skills.

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#2

Prayer helps me. It would be comforting to me to know the last person I see cares.

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#3

I’m happy to talk if I can help.

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#4

Hey Desiree, I'm also at a busy hospital in Central California, it is getting crazy, and its sad to see whats going on. Remember we are here for to help people and even when we don't feel it, we are making a positive difference. Stay focused and know that good is working through you. As long as I am sober, I can provide my best when people are at their worst.

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#5

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Palms 23:4

Talking about what is going on with you, with your thoughts and feelings seems like a good place to start. I hear ya, my coping skills are questionable!! Thank you for your service and sacrifice, stay safe. :pray:

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#6

Praying for you Desiree. You’re in a tough position. Try really hard not to wear yourself out. Exhaustion always sends me to the rails. Stay strong. People need you to stay sober right now. Find a healthy outlet. It’s probably hard to go outside on your breaks but try to take a minute to get some fresh air. Thank you for your service. Hang in there. I’m here anytime you need to talk. :heart:

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#7

Gm. The work you are doing can only be done by a very special person. Staying sober allows you to be able to do this. Take a few moments to close your eyes , breathe deeply, and be thankful you’re sober🙏

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#8

Ahh. Such a good reminder! :hugs:

#9

Okay.. so I clearly don’t give myself enough credit.. cause that’s one thing I do at work. I take that 15 min break in between and I go on a quick walk around the hospital. Thank you! :relaxed:

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#10

Yeah, I’ve really got to do this more. Thank you! :hugs:

#11

You are absolutely right! Thank you!

#12

Thank you!! :relaxed:

#13

Most of us got into healthcare because we truly do care.

#14

For me, when I get overwhelmed with emotions from life on life’s terms, I go to meetings, talk to my sponsor, and throw myself into service carrying the word of my program to alcoholics who still suffer.

I work in an assisted living facility in Texas. Covid is a constant fear. Our residents are vulnerable. We haven’t lost anyone to Covid since January but it’s still scary and upsetting. Thank you so much for what you do.

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#15

Sit with your emotions and keep growing AF. Thank you for your sacrifice.

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#16

I believe you

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#17

Sounds like ptsd - making a political debate over an obvious healthcare issue will continue to flame :fire: the problem.

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#18

That's a beautiful bird in the background. Sometimes we need to notice the beauty around us to appreciate where we are at.

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#19

Lol there is! I named the bird Timmy. Timmy wanted my burrito.

#20

I’m think I am misunderstanding you. Care to clarify?