Are Masks Really Protecting us or Just Controlling us?

Are Masks Really Protecting us or Just Controlling us? 

Jessica Sunday

I cannot sit in silence as I am one of many healthcare workers who are facing this pandemic together. As we link arms with our fellow colleagues , we realize we are our own support system. What can we say though other than that the healthcare system is in desperate need of revision. Please do not misconstrue my beliefs and take on Covid-19 as an insult to the healthcare system that I wake each morning to help those in need. I have a calling, and that calling is to care for the sick, advocate for the weak, and to offer peace in the process. 

My conscience, however, will not allow me to continue to feel like I am making an impact as long as I am sitting silent in the corruption as I see my fellow Americans being controlled. 

I have always had a passion to stand up for my beliefs and use my voice as well as my blog to encourage others to use their voice as well.

I would like to begin by stating that I do not doubt the serious effects Covid-19 has had on people's health as it continues to rear its nasty head and continue to take peoples' lives. I have gotten pulled to work on a Covid unit during this pandemic, and there is an eery feeling as you walk on that unit. We have our PAPRS that protect us against the particles of this disease. 

What some people do not understand is that simple surgical masks do anything but filter the particles of Covid-19. So, basically all you are accomplishing is retaining your own CO2, wearing some paper on your face, as the particles flow through your mask. In essence, it is like you are not wearing anything at all to protect yourself. Furthermore, these were never designed for 8 to 12 hour shifts. Healthcare professionals know the truths about this, yet as long as the CDC continues to instruct us to enforce this, we will be wearing these masks until Lord knows when. As long as they say these are safe, we do not need to be given N95s or a PAPR for all staff's safety. People would think it would be crazy expensive to ensure such a safe unit would be costly for all to utilize, but what is expensive is wearing surgical masks that do not filter the disease and spread it throughout hospitals causing more exposed staff, illness, and deaths. The whole picture is what is important to look at. 

Our beliefs about this issue may differ, and that is okay. I am writing today to educate, advocate, and to clear my conscience of remaining silent about the information I know. As I take a turn in my approach to this, I realize that the comparison may be drastic but so is corruption that the government is abusing.

There are many people who believe abortion is 100% okay and their conscience is totally clear. If that is you, you have that freedom. It does not necessarily mean it is a moral act of life, but it is your right in this country right now. So be it. Many people who argue this say it is the woman's body and so the baby is left not advocated for, neglected, and killed all because of the woman's choice of what happens to her body. I am a woman, and as much as I like to have have control of situations, you realize really quick that some situations are not able to be controlled. 

 So, I beg to ask what the difference is between having a choice between aborting a baby and not wearing a mask? I mean, is it not our choice or our body in not wearing a piece of paper on our face? Would you say that it is necessary because of how the disease is contagious to others and would affect their health? With or without a mask, the disease will still travel.The disease is still on surfaces, and still remains in the air for quite awhile. If that is your argument between comparing the two, I might also add what a heartbeat in the womb is compared to a heartbeat of the new infant you hold in your arms? Are you really holding life in your arms? Does it dependent on where the baby is located to be considered to have a beating heart (which is a sign of life might I add)- in the womb or in your arms? 

 

So, it is then that as long as we remain silent, lives will be lost when there are not proper equipment  or morals in place for the citizens. Lives will continue to be lost through means of Covid-19, human trafficking, and abortions as well as other horrible tragedies. To the people who suffer from COPD, asthma, anxiety, etc. walking into stores or those who are working at healthcare facilities, this can speed up these chronic diseases in us as well.

I ask you, to yes, be respectful and courteous as you are out and about ensuring that other people may not want you closer than 6 feet, prefer to wear a mask, not hug, etc. But for the love of God, can we choose whether we wear the paper masks? You are not helping those who have chronic diseases that can take their lives as well. You are not being honest that the surgical masks do not filter these particles. Can we stop with the corruption, and continue to live our lives? We cannot live our lives in fear for the rest of 2020 let alone 2021 ....

Don't think this is being blown out of proportion? Now children need to wear these during school this fall. Their bodies are not made to have these masks on like this. If they are social distancing in school, please tell me how the busing situation will go? Please tell me how we can still have multiple people in the elevator and continue to be required to social distance at our lunches. Please tell me how  saran wrapping a credit card machine is protecting the stop of germs when that same machine is not being wiped down or changed between uses.  Please tell me how double standards of care is acceptable. 

Please tell me. 

 

Breaking the Stigma

Breaking the Stigma

Jessica Sunday

Honestly, I don't know when I will feel brave enough to share this blog post with the public, but I know my blog has reached people because it comes from a genuine heart of authenticity. With that, it is not the easiest thing to be vulnerable; however, I realize the importance of being real so that it can be a help and benefit to others. 

It was a long time coming, but I finally reached out for help. I had scheduled a doctor's appointment for something that was going on physically with my body, and I started to shatter... I broke down in tears in the office. I was at a point of vulnerability. I sobbed. I opened up. I was honest. I had a coming to Jesus moment in my life. We all know our mental health can affect our physical well-being, but who really likes to admit that they have mental struggles? All I know is that my hand would stay down if I was asked this in a crowd of people. Most people do not like to admit those things. 

I was told that day in the office that I had Major Depressive Disorder. That sunk deep. You see, I always knew there was something wrong. To make myself feel better, I called those moments of lows in my life "ruts" because I surely did not have depression. Not me, I thought! I always try to encourage others. I love sharing smiles and giving embracing hugs to people. Small acts of kindness for others is one of my hobbies, I suppose. Singing in worship at my church lifts my heart. Being a cardiac nurse is one of my purposes here and now. Really, Jess ... why? 

I finally heard those words that I had in the back of my mind for awhile. It was a lot to take in, but it was such a freeing experience. On top of that, I felt heard. I was not written off. Someone took the time to talk with me and discuss options. It took a lot of courage for me to finally seek help - to have finally come to my breaking point. I am not sure what exactly that "breaking point" was for me, but I am glad I broke down in that office that day. 

As a healthcare worker, I felt embarrassed of myself that I needed help. I am in the business of helping others. Actually, I always loved helping others. Now, I just get to do it on the daily for my career. It really is a beautiful thing. Because I help others, I had a hard time coming to grips that I needed help myself. I am okay if others deal with this. I will not judge because I loved working in mental health before I became a cardiac nurse. Maybe I have this mantra that healthcare workers are protected from all diseases because they deal with the angel of death for their patients. I know that sounds unrealistic because it is unrealistic. So, maybe there is someone out there that has depression or a different mental illness who is reading this or perhaps there is someone out there reading this that needs to come forward and have a heart-to-heart with their doctor. Whatever the case, I pray that sharing this helps break the stigma of mental health. I am not depression; I have depression. 

Remember, it is okay not to be okay. 

P.S. These were photos from the day I found out. 

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

I Peter 5:7