March is upon us, and I am delighted to celebrate this 59th Social Work Month!

During social work month, I have been reflecting about how the pandemic we have all be living through since it began in 2020 continues to have impacts. Prior to this time period, I would have never thought meeting with folx via the internet would be an ordinary part of my work day. Pre-pandemic, my chatting was primarily through Discord, a once niche platform for to coordinate things like in games. Now, I hear about all sorts of creative ways that individuals are using Discord (Karaoke anyone?) and other platforms as a routine part of their daily experience.

Through my work, I have supported individuals with an atypical amount of loss this year. My heart reaches out to all of the other social workers of the world. Despite living through some of the same traumas that their clients are experiencing, they still make space for them to heal. Absolutely, we are experiencing devastation and loss - but there are is growing forces of hope and strength that can help us to persist. As a social worker, it is an honor to carry out my small part to reduce a bit of suffering and to facilitate healing.

The mental health impacts of this pandemic are scarcely starting to be made aware of. As a profession, we still have our work cut out. I appreciate each and every social worker who is achieving what they can to dismantle systems of oppression and work on advocating for change.

Social workers - go out and celebrate. Eat your favorite things. Book that trip. Snuggle with your furry friends. You all deserve a recharge for diligently fostering a sense of resilience.