Navigating COVID-19 with pre-existing health conditions: Staying positive
Updated: Apr 2, 2020
It’s so strange to be living in the era of COVID-19. It’s like the world & everything in it has become puppets to the puppeteer that is coronavirus. Panic is striking the nation and in honesty; I have never seen London so lifeless, with such an eerie and bizarre atmosphere. It almost feels like the world is ending; but of course, it most definitely isn’t.
However, as someone with underlying health conditions; it is of course, worrying. I have to admit I was one of those people that was very carefree about the virus; I didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about and I almost found those panicking comical. However, as the hysteria surrounding the virus grows; it does understandably cause anxiety for me.
In my work, I work alongside extremely inspiring young people with chronic illness; like me. I also work alongside extremely dedicated and selfless Programme Leaders (volunteers). I see and talk to these people who manage to smile and laugh every day at work. They’ve had ill health for more than I’m sure they care to remember. I know personally, I continue to smile and laugh because it’s all I can do. I don’t consider myself to suffer from an illness; but to be surviving it. However, more than that; I don’t want to just survive. I want to live. I don’t want to let my illness define me.
I truly believe I have to continue with this mentality through the disturbing time that is COVID-19. My experiences with chronic illness make my anxiety that little less; even though I’m more at risk. It makes it that little less because I have been surviving for many, many years; and I have to believe I will survive this too. I have to have hope; because that’s all we can have.
I will continue as normal with COVID-19. I won’t be overloading on toilet roll and cookies! I will continue to work and be inspired and motivated by young people that I know will still manage to smile and laugh; because they’re just some of the most incredible people I have ever encountered. I’m so excited to see these young people continue to prosper and strive during this daunting time!
We haven’t let our illness define us; and we won’t allow COVID-19 to either.
If your mental health is suffering because of COVID-19, feel free to get in touch with the BFUK team via info@brightfuturesuk.com