Alejandra Aguinaga enjoyed her job at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital.

She felt a sense of accomplishment and purpose when she delivered food trays to hospital patients.

I was always paranoid [about getting sick], especially at the beginning, Aguinaga acknowledges.

Now promoted to Nutrition Services Supervisor at Northwestern, she helps to ensure that patients dietary needs are met.

A Look at Frontline Workers' COVID Experience

Essential workers are those who perform a critical function.

Experts estimate there are over 30 million frontline workers in the United States.

If you work in the hospital, you know that theres going to be sick people all the time.

So, you know you could be potentially exposed to something that you dont want to be.

Many workplaces provided protective gear for their frontline employees, from masks to face shields.

The risk factors, however, proved too great for some workers.

Frontline workers made up the majority of that increase.

Essential workers are forced to deal with it every time they enter their workplace.

The Mental Health Impact

People all over the world feared contracting COVID.

That fear multiplied exponentially for workers who couldnt stay home.

A 2021 study found that frontline workers experienced increased psychological distress as they worked while COVID-19 raged.

Every day the numbers just kept going up and up and up…

I have seen a rise in generalized anxiety not only for essential workers but also their families.

Its important not to deny your feelings; instead speak up and address your problems.

Recognize when you need help and do not hesitate to seek help.

Communicate with your co-workers and boss about your feelings, Dr. Safai says.

She also reminds people not to neglect their physical bodies.

Don’t forget to eat right andexercise.

Aguinaga notes that spending time with family and friends helps her unwind.

She also states its important that she does not take her work home with her.

Aguinaga says her commitment, dedication, and passion keep her coming back to work each day.

And having her coworkers helps her feel less alone in battling the pandemic.

Even if she had the option to work remotely, Aguinaga says she wouldnt change a thing.

I would still come in just so I dont feel so isolated.

I love speaking with the crew over here, with employees.

It takes your mind off the pandemic, she concludes.

Its something were all trying to do.

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