The COVID Impact

After nearly 18 months when the prime minister put the country in quarantine, we are still feeling the effects of it. Some are still shielding through choice, others are still dealing from the recovery of Covid. When we entered lockdown little did we know how much our lives would change. Some for the worst, others for the better.  

When we first entered lockdown I’m sure most of us either having a family or not felt lonely and scared of what the future may bring especially at the the start thousands contracted the virus and thousands passed away from it. Many were told to shield themselves, which Is hard when you’re alone and have no support network nearby. How do you get food, medication and help when you need It. Even with a family you still have these problems especially if you have young children. Many parents had to homeschool and endure Joe Wicks on top of looking after their own mental health, the home and worry of being furloughed making sure money stretched to pay the bills. 

But let’s look at us - the fibro warriors, many of us have other conditions and illnesses on top of fibro. Whilst most with no other underlying problems where able to have a quality of life, being able to go and get the shopping or go for a stroll many of us didn’t have that luxury, It felt, in affect, we were under house arrest. I broke my shielding by going into work as a teaching assistant for key worker children, whilst at the same time juggling looking after my children and their education. Thankfully I never got unwell and it’s a risk I took. I did have the option to stay home, but in true honesty I was going stir crazy. There’s only so many times you can sit through your sons and your husbands fart fest that find it hilarious but makes the lounge smell like a public toilet.

Roll on to present day most have been double jabbed with the Covid vaccine and the 19th July saw ‘freedom day’. Whilst I’ve enjoyed being able to hug my parents and sister again I’m still cautious, I still wear my mask everywhere, I’m still constantly washing my hands and using antibacterial gel every time I go out. I personally feel it’s too early for those with chronic long term illness to enjoy ’freedom’ whilst there are still so many cases. Just before summer holidays began my youngest sons school had 10 cases In 2 weeks, closing down many of the class bubbles. I still stay in out of choice ( I’m enjoying being a hermit and everybody Is ok with it) , my reason is I’m still scared of Covid especially with my list of illnesses. The doctor Is worried about my mental health and has put me on a higher dose of antidepressants as well as beta blockers for my anxiety. It’s going to take me a long time to feel normal and enjoy life again.