"Tips for Physically (and Mentally) Surviving in a #Pandemic Where One-Third of the Population Are Selfish Morons"

I'm an essential worker with a history of major depression and anxiety.

I proactively work on staying both physically and mentally well.

#HCW #RadTech
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The following are #tips I have picked up both from professional habits and my personal desire to stay mentally healthy.
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REALIZATION: We are opening up and neither you nor I can stop this from happening. If you're an essential worker, chances are the re-opening will impact you as well.

There's a big probability that the #virus will shut us down again but until then, USA is open for business.
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ACCEPTANCE: We are opening back up in the middle of a pandemic in the world's hottest spot.

While Karen needing a waxing and Nazi Brad needing to hit the gym are things I'll never be okay with, I can #accept the fact that we are opening up.
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ASSUME vs. PRESUME: Assuming is akin to wishful thinking. We need to presume exposure.

We have been or will be in in contact with people who who have been directly exposed to someone positive and/or are an asymptomatic carriers of #COVID themselves.

Act accordingly.
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LIFESTYLE: Make it a #purposeful and #thoughtful goal of making good hygiene #habits come naturally.

Stop touching your face.

It sounds easy but this is actually a hard one and even HCWs struggle with this.
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HABITS: Every errand run I have made into the public includes seeing at least one person touching their face.

Don't.

Actions like absently rubbing your eyes and itching your nose are muscle memory #habits. Your goal is to break them, which takes thoughtfulness and practice.
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GLOVES: Oh the gloves.

Human behavior is working against us. People put on the gloves and develop a sense of security. And they stop remembering that the gloves are covered in germs.

#Science is starting to see the danger as well. I am a huge fan of hand washing.
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MASKS: The masked person is at higher risk of exposure when they are interacting w/an unmasked person.

In order to be most effective #masks need to be worn by #both people.

So if #LiburteeBubba is wearing his as a chin strap, I maintain that 6 feet.

No exceptions.
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OH SHIT: There's a presumption that you will be exposed. There is also possibility you will get sick.

If you do? Get #tested.

If you test (+) and are not critically ill, you'll be sent home w/instructions as you recover. Odds are #greatly in your favor you will recover.
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OH SHIT pt 2: So why get tested if sick? As with most things in medicine evidence is pointing to #time being of the essence.

If you should have life-threatening complications, knowing your positive status will expedite ER course of treatment plan.
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SELF-CARE: For many of us with known mental health issues and are proactive in staying well, we also have a vast array of tools at our disposal.

Therapy. Meditation. Yoga. Exercise. Self-care Breaks. Medication. Books. Nature. Art
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SEEK HELP: But for many, having a #mentalhealth crisis is new.

A first episodic anxiety attack is scary, both mentally and often physically. What we are dealing w/as a society is taking an extensive mental toll and our bodies may alarm us before our brains do.

Seek help.
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Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

My DMs are always open.

And I hope I've #helped it some small way.

Miss Cuffy, R.T./Unstable Genius
<EOT>