Life feels like it’s split into two worlds these days. There’s the world of people who have “moved on” from COVID—living life as if the pandemic never happened—and then there’s ours: the world of people with long COVID, and other Chronic Illness, where every step forward feels like climbing Everest.
For many of us, life didn’t just slow down—it screeched to a halt. Work? Paused. Social events? Rare and exhausting. Even the little things we once took for granted—like popping to the shops or cooking dinner—have become monumental achievements.
The New Normal: Masking, Fresh Air, and Saying “No”
When you live with long COVID, your whole perspective shifts. Things you never thought about—like avoiding infections—become top priorities. Masking and seeking fresh air aren’t quirks; they’re survival strategies. It’s not just COVID we avoid, either. Even a simple cold can set us back for weeks or months.
Organ damage, fatigue, brain fog, and dysautonomia force us to make choices we never imagined. Do I use my energy to cook, or do I save it to shower? Do I attend that family event, knowing I might crash for days afterward? Saying “no” becomes a necessary skill, even when it breaks your heart.
The Isolation of Living in a Forgotten Pandemic
Meanwhile, the world around us is desperate to forget COVID ever happened. Long COVID clinics are closing, research funding is drying up, and studies on effective treatments are frustratingly scarce. Instead, articles pop up claiming it’s “safe” to return to pre-COVID life, ignoring the evidence and leaving us feeling dismissed.
But here’s the thing: people are getting sicker, and no one’s asking why. We hear stories of children sent to school while unwell, prioritizing attendance over their health—and over the health of their teachers and classmates. What does that say about how we value wellbeing?
Finding Hope in the Small Victories
Despite all this, there are moments of hope. Every small achievement—whether it’s preparing a meal, walking a little further, or managing a day without crashing—feels like a win. And finding people who understand, whether it’s friends, family, or online communities, can make all the difference.
Advocating for ourselves isn’t easy, especially when the world seems determined to ignore what we’re going through. But we’re not alone. Together, we keep pushing for research, for recognition, and for a future where long COVID is taken seriously.
Moving Forward in a World That Wants to Forget
For those of us with long COVID, “moving on” doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means adapting, pacing, and finding ways to rebuild our lives within the limitations we face.
The world may have moved on, but we haven’t—and we can’t. But by sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can keep pushing for the change we need. We’re not giving up.
Because even if it’s one small step at a time, we’re still moving forward.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal health concerns.
Long Covid Journey 