The article explores the challenges faced by individuals with severe chronic illnesses, particularly those who are housebound or bedbound. It highlights the importance of digital communities that provide connection and support for these often-invisible individuals. The author emphasizes the responsibility of sharing their stories and understanding their experiences, acknowledging their silence and resilience.
Category: COVID, Mental Health & Coping
It’s Not Just the Body That’s Affected
The toll on your mental health can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. Anxiety, depression, and frustration are common when dealing with the uncertainty and prolonged fatigue of Long COVID. It’s important to seek mental health support, whether through therapy, mindfulness, or simply talking with loved ones.
Long COVID Treatment: Why Talking Therapy Isn’t Enough
Long COVID is a complex biomedical condition, not a psychological disorder that can be treated through talking therapy or exercise alone. It involves physiological issues like endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction, persistent inflammation, and immune dysregulation. Psychological support may help patients cope with emotional trauma, but it cannot replace necessary medical interventions for their condition.
Long COVID and Women’s Health: Unpacking Gender Bias
Long COVID disproportionately affects women, particularly those aged 30 to 55, yet their symptoms are often dismissed by healthcare systems. Historical gender bias in medicine contributes to this disbelief, leaving many without proper care. Women's unique health experiences are undervalued, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in research and medical practice.
The Impact of Chronic Illness on Friendships
Chronic illness, including Long COVID, profoundly affects friendships due to unpredictability, energy limits, and invisible symptoms. While losses can lead to grief, understanding the dynamics can ease feelings of isolation. It's crucial to acknowledge pain, foster supportive connections, and seek empathy from friends. The experience can highlight meaningful relationships.
The Silent Impact of COVID-19 on Entertainment and Sports. While Insurance Whispers the Truth
The Quiet Disappearance of COVID-19 from Entertainment and Sport Headlines In the early days of the pandemic, a single cough could halt a film shoot or cancel a concert. Yet in 2025, COVID-19 has seemingly disappeared from public discourse in entertainment and sports—at least on the surface. Actors, musicians, and athletes whose careers depend on … Continue reading The Silent Impact of COVID-19 on Entertainment and Sports. While Insurance Whispers the Truth
Chronic Illness in Pop Culture: TV and Film Moments That Highlight ME/CFS and Long COVID
Media significantly influences societal perceptions of chronic illnesses like ME/CFS and Long COVID, often misunderstood and underrepresented. Key portrayals in shows like "The Golden Girls" and documentaries like "Unrest" raise awareness yet reveal gaps in representation. More nuanced narratives are crucial for fostering understanding and reducing stigma surrounding these complex conditions.
Celebrating small victories: Living with Long COVID
The author reflects on the significance of small victories while living with long COVID, such as walking for a cappuccino. They highlight the emotional complexities tied to these moments, describing shifts in the perception of success and self-care. Celebrating minor achievements is emphasized as essential for resilience and finding joy amidst challenges.
Understanding Long COVID: More Than Just Deconditioning
Long COVID is a complex condition distinct from simple deconditioning. It presents unique symptoms like brain fog, nerve pain, and post-exertional malaise (PEM), where exertion causes severe fatigue. Autonomic dysfunction further complicates recovery, making exercise challenging. Research indicates it’s not linked to laziness or lack of fitness but involves systemic issues needing careful management.