Front line workers may not be feeling the same confidence as the wider public is showing in them, with all the accolades of appreciation.
The definition of front-line worker has expanded from the health-care field to include the vital service industry.
As Justine McNulty, social worker with the Arnprior Region Hospital Family Health Team tells us, the COVID-19 crisis is bringing to the fore what is, in psychiatric circles, now becoming known as pre-traumatic stress.
She says a strategy workers can undertake themselves is to take pause and connect with your five senses.
McNulty says it’s important to remember we’re in uncharted territory where the rules seem to be changing daily; there are no “experts” to turn to, as its all new.
There’s Free Supportive counselling and psychotherapy services for front line workers through the Ontario COVID 19 Mental Health Network, at covid19therapists.com
