This is the second part of a special series, "The Essentials: Inside the Curve," first-person diaries from the people on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic -- the essential workers risking their own health and safety to ensure others are taken care of. From doctors, nurses and paramedics to police officers, transportation and sanitation workers, you'll hear directly from those keeping the world moving while so many are quarantining at home and working to flatten the curve.

Today, this 38-year-old intensive care nurse in Torrance, California says she's used to working long, hectic shifts in the ICU at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center.  But seeing her patients die alone due to COVID-19, with no family around, has taken a mental toll on nurse Lindsey Burrell. That's when the mother of two decided to reach out to a psychiatrist for help. It's also taken a physical toll.  Generally heathy and active, Burrell says in the past 30 days she's been sick more than she's been well, getting to a point where she was tested twice for COVID-19. Through audio journals provided to ABC News, Burrell gives a candid glimpse of her life juggling a loving family with whom she can sometimes have no physical contact and her job trying to save lives, at times both heartbreaking and inspiring.

"The Essentials: Inside the Curve" is a special series from ABC Audio. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/2ROvcnw), Spotify (https://bit.ly/3ct575v), or your favorite podcast app.