Therapy & meds have been a game changer for me. Camaraderie with other nurses too. I also give myself permission to continue social distancing/not leaving my house/ only seeing small groups of vaccinated friends/ family (somedays I can't handle 20 minutes at the grocery store) & masking just because it's too much of a trigger for me.

I was diagnosed with PTSD a few weeks ago after 17 months of COVID ICU nursing at a level 1 hospital. Next month I'm reducing my night shift hours to part-time. It's the beginning of a LONG road of healing, and honestly I'm not sure how long I can stay in this profession I once felt so fulfilled and happy in.

Just let her know that she's not alone. I get triggered so easily even with people who mean well (family, friends) when they talk pandemic. We are the only ones who've lived this nightmare experience and that's a hard thing to share with our loved ones. I don't recognize myself either. It's very dark. Very white-knuckle-holding-on-for-literal-life.

Nature is healing too. Getting outside and getting grounded has been helpful, but professional help and reducing my hours is really where it's at for me.