Long COVID is not your typical post-illness fatigue or “recovery phase.” For those of us living with it, long COVID isn’t just a leftover cough or a little tiredness. It’s a condition that changes your whole life, showing up in physical ways that others can’t always see. This is more than stress, and it’s definitely not “just in our heads.” Long COVID is real, physical, and for many of us, it’s a whole new way of life.
It’s Not Stress, It’s Long COVID
One of the hardest parts of long COVID? Hearing it’s “just stress” or “anxiety.” Sure, being sick is stressful, and living with a “mysterious” condition can weigh on us mentally, but those aren’t the causes. Long COVID shows up physically—think overwhelming fatigue, aches that won’t quit, shortness of breath, skin eruptions, and of course, the notorious “brain fog.”
Real Talk: What Brain Fog Feels Like
Brain fog isn’t just forgetting where you put your keys; it’s forgetting what keys are for. Imagine trying to follow a recipe but halfway through, you suddenly forget what “stir” means. Or having a conversation and losing track of what you’re saying mid-sentence. It’s like trying to work through a misty cloud, and no matter how much coffee you drink, it doesn’t get any clearer.
A Day in the Life with Long COVID
A “good” day might mean getting through a few hours without needing to lie down. On bad days, even getting out of bed feels like running a marathon. And the worst part? You can never predict which kind of day it will be. That unpredictability makes planning anything—work, family time, or even a grocery run—a real challenge.
Living with long COVID also means dealing with how others perceive you. We cancel plans, we move slower, and sometimes we seem “off.” It’s not because we’re lazy; it’s because we’re operating on a different level of energy and focus than we had before.
The Doctor’s Office Challenge: Getting Help That Sticks
The medical world is just starting to catch up on long COVID. Many of us spend countless hours with doctors, only to hear, “Just give it time.” But when “time” stretches into months or years, waiting isn’t a solution.
What we really need are doctors who believe us, who listen, and who are willing to take action. Long COVID isn’t a mystery to those of us living it every day—we need medical experts who recognize it as the very real condition it is and can help us find ways to manage it.
What Science Says: Long COVID Is Physical, Not “All in Your Head”
Research on long COVID is still growing, but what’s clear is that this condition affects our bodies in real ways. Studies are finding ongoing inflammation, immune system responses, and even changes in our organs. This isn’t a figment of our imagination; it’s a physical condition that impacts our immune systems, blood vessels, and nervous systems.
Dealing with Misunderstandings: What Society Doesn’t Get
One of the biggest hurdles we face is society’s misunderstanding of long COVID. How many of us have heard, “Maybe you just need to get out more,” or “You’re probably just stressed”? It’s tough enough managing symptoms without having to constantly explain or justify why we’re feeling this way.
Living with this constant stigma can be exhausting. It’s not just our symptoms that drain us; it’s the need to defend and explain ourselves. We’re not looking for pity—just recognition and understanding.
The Mental Toll of Long COVID
Though long COVID isn’t a mental illness, it can take a toll on mental health. When people brush off our symptoms or suggest it’s “all in our heads,” it can feel like gaslighting. We start to question ourselves, feel guilty for needing rest, and worry about why we can’t keep up with the people around us.
Many of us have found comfort in support groups or communities of others with long COVID. Being understood by people who “get it” makes a difference. But while community support is essential, what we need are structured resources, mental health care, and a medical community that acknowledges long COVID for what it is.
What Needs to Change
To truly support people with long COVID, here are some key changes that would make a big difference:
Increased Research Funding: While scientists are making progress, we need more funding to accelerate in-depth studies on the physical impacts of long COVID. Research is essential to understanding this condition and developing targeted treatments.
Accessible Treatments and Repurposed Medications: Research alone isn’t enough—we need treatments that people can actually access. Existing medications that could help should be investigated, and all effective treatments should be affordable and covered by national healthcare systems and insurance.
Improved Medical Training: Doctors and healthcare professionals need up-to-date training to recognize and treat long COVID effectively. No one should be dismissed with “just stress” or told to “wait it out.” Understanding the complexity of long COVID is essential for providing proper care.
Greater Social Awareness: Family, friends, and workplaces need to understand how drastically long COVID affects energy levels and daily capabilities. Compassion and flexibility from our communities can make a world of difference.
Targeted Mental Health Support: Living with long COVID can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression—not as causes, but as a result of the condition. We need mental health resources specifically tailored for the unique, long-term challenges people with long COVID face.
Government Support and Workplace Accommodations: Financial support and flexible return-to-work policies are crucial. Governments should ensure reasonable adjustments, like part-time options or remote work, so those with long COVID can stay employed without sacrificing their health.
Moving Forward: Hope and Advocacy
There’s hope that as more people share their stories and more research emerges, society will start to take long COVID seriously. Each personal story, every study, and every step forward in advocacy brings us closer to better understanding and treatment.
For those of us living with this: keep sharing your experiences and keep advocating. And for those who know someone with long COVID, please listen, believe, and support them. This isn’t “just stress”—it’s a real condition, and we need all the help we can get.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice, diagnosis, or treatment related to Long COVID or any health concerns.
Long Covid Journey 