For people with long term chronic health issues, lockdown isolation isn’t new for us. We’ve had this for years. But maybe, Covid-19 can bring a new understanding for our daily struggles.
As the UK enters its third national lockdown, a lot of people are finding things difficult. It’s really hard not being able to see family and friends, not being able to go to a restaurant, not being able to travel, and so much more. Whether you’re trying to home school children while trying to work full time, or you’ve been furloughed or made redundant, or you’re living on your own and shielding, the current Covid-19 lockdown is affecting everyone.
But for those of us who have been living with a chronic health condition, lockdowns like this are not actually that new. I’ve had chronic lymphoma, a type of cancer, for 15 years now, since I was diagnosed when I was 13 years old. And there have been many times in my life when I’ve felt like I was living under a lockdown due to the fatigue that is caused by lymphoma. There have been so many times I’ve had to miss out on going to the pub with friends because I just didn’t have the energy, or when I haven’t been able to travel due to poor health. For more than half my life, the lymphoma and the resulting fatigue have impacted literally everything I do.
I completely understand the isolation that lockdown has forced us under. It’s been part of my life for nearly as long as I can remember. And so many people with chronic illnesses understand it as well. People with ME, fibromyalgia, cancer, and so many other illnesses. We’ve all done this isolation before.
I hope that, out of the ashes of Covid-19 trauma, there might grow a new, increased understanding of the isolation those living with chronic illnesses have been experiencing for years.
After Covid-19 lockdowns are over, we’ll still have to be living with isolation. It doesn’t just end for us.
We’ll still have to be missing out on pub trips and shopping trips and travelling. And maybe some people with long Covid might be added to our group (although I hope not, I hope everyone who has had Covid is able to make a full recovery).
In some ways, having the whole country in lockdown has actually made things a bit easier and a bit more accessible for me. I can work from home and attend conferences online (I’m one of the super lucky people who have been able to work from home throughout the pandemic). No longer do I have to use almost all of my energy on a long commute to work to sit in an office, or face an exhausting day trip to London for a conference. Online working from home is actually a lot easier and a lot more accessible for me. It’s levelled the playing field between people like me with chronic fatigue and everyone else. And I really really hope this inclusivity is something that can continue post-lockdown.
But there are other things I’ve found a bit easier too. I can go to online social events a lot more easily than I can go out in an evening. I haven’t had to cancel a trip out to meet friends, because I can stay sat on my sofa to join in. And I haven’t had to endure the agony of watching my friends go out and have fun without me while I’m stuck at home ill, watching myself get pushed further and further out of the friendship group because I just can’t keep up with them. I haven’t had to scroll through social media seeing everyone else’s holiday photos while I’ve been stuck in bed, because no one can travel. Of course I’m not glad in any way that other people are missing out on these things. But there’s still part of me that is relieved to have just a short break from the constant feeling like I’m missing out on all the fun parts of life.
Covid-19 has been horrible, and I hope it ends soon. I’m in the shielding category, so the isolation and fear of going outside has been immense. I can’t wait to be able to go outside again without fear.
But I hope that there may be just a few positives that can come out of this terrible situation. I really hope that working from home continues to be an established norm, so then people like me can find work more accessible. Maybe groups of friends can also still meet online occasionally, so those in their group with chronic illness can still join in. Maybe the publicity around chronic fatigue that has been generated from the people suffering from long Covid symptoms will help fund much-needed medical research into the condition so doctors can have a better understanding.
And I also hope that, out of the ashes of Covid-19 trauma, there might grow a new, increased understanding of the isolation those living with chronic illnesses have been experiencing for years. So many people in the world have now had an experience of lockdown isolation. So when they all go back to their normal lives, I just hope there might be a better understanding of those of us who will have to continue our lockdown isolation for many more years, perhaps even for the rest of our lives.
Lockdown is hard, people are suffering, and I’m desperate for it to be over. But if there can just be one or two glimpses of positivity that can come from the terrible ashes that Covid-19 has left behind…well, that’s something at least.
Read my tips on coping with lockdown isolation and looking after your mental health when you can’t travel, and find out more about Rachel from Rays of Adventure.
If you’re struggling with isolation, it’s ok to reach out for help. You can contact the charity Mind or the Samaritans for help and support. It’s ok to not be ok. It’s ok to reach out for support.
I hope you got through the self-isolation well and can travel again soon. Coming from the other side (medic) I self-isolated outside work and grocery shopping because I had soo much exposure to COVID and was so scared of passing it on to my nearest an dearest. Not quite sleeping in the garage level, but “isolation” bedroom at time. On holidays after appropriate period of self-isolating, we have only visited places where the incidence was very low and where vaccines are available to the local population – and I really recommend this for the time being.
I love the fact that you still travel, and don’t let your illness hold you back. Travel is the best but lately, I’ve been super stressed about traveling overseas. I can’t wait to get back to travelling again soon. Great blog!
It’s a very interesting and unexpected angle on Covid lockdowns. Thanks for sharing and sorry to hear about your ailment.
This is such a compassionate post thank you for sharing. This whole time is confusing and frustrating and it’s hard for everyone on different levels. I also enjoy your positive way of viewing what’s happening in one regard and taking it in stride. Beautiful post.
Thank you. I hope you’re keeping safe and well.
Thank for sharing this post! I’ve been through a lot of traumatizing stuff during covid-19 and it wasn’t easy. I’m currently in therapy right now as I recover from this period.
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had a difficult time. I really hope therapy is helping you so you can recover, and I hope the world is kinder to us all soon. Take care.
thank you for sharing your story!
Sometimes I think there are many people who forget that self isolation is nothing knew to those struggling with chronic illness.
Socially things are going to continue to change with virtual cocktail making etc. Lovely post and you are so strong! 😊
Thank you! Yes I completely agree that a lot of people can forget about people who are isolated from chronic illness. I really hope Covid helps people to understand more and also have more accessible and inclusive social events.
Really enjoyed reading this and it’s so important that you are sharing. I hope many people will stop taking good health for granted and appreciate the amazing opportunities that they have every day. Stay safe x
Thank you, I really hope there can be some positives from Covid. Hope you’re keeping safe and well.
What a touching and personal story. I couldnt agree more – we have all grown more compassionate and empathetic this year. Personally, when I got a severe MCL injury and fracture and got stuck at home. Thats when I realized how hard life would be for our elderly and those stuck at home. All the best and hope for a better world for you.
Thank you, it was a difficult one to write but I’m so glad I shared it. I hope you’ve recovered well from your injury, and I hope that the awful Covid situation can bring some positives.
Such a great post, I’m so sorry to hear about your illness, this pandemic has really taken a toll on my people. This post will definitely help others and let them feel alone, I wish you all the best 🙏🏽.
Thank you. Hope you’re keeping safe and well.
I’m so lucky that in a ‘normal’ year I’m healthy enough to live my life however I want to, but this year has given me so much insight to other people’s lifestyles! There are so many lessons we’ve all gained from this year we can take through to the future
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
I agree, this last year has been an opportunity to learn and grow our understanding and I hope some positives come in the future. Hope you’re keeping safe and well.
Since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness have been on the rise. And In this coming time, we should be ready for coming critical times.
I agree, this last year has been challenging for a lot of people’s mental health. Hope you’re keeping safe and well.
Aw! This is such a great post. I am so sick and tired of people whining about the pandemic and not following the regulations. I can never understand what you’ve been through in previous years but I love how positive you are! My city isn’t in a tight lockdown but I’ve been home since last March and have refrained from seeing people including family to keep safe and limit the spread. Thanks for sharing x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you, I always try to find a positive, even in an awful situation like this. And thank you for following the rules and helping to keep everyone safe.
My heart is aching for those family members who are at high risk. It puts us in tough situations. We of course want to be around family, but we also do not want to put anyone at risk. This time has been difficult for me especially since my grandpa is 89.
I really enjoyed your post. Thank you <3
xo Erica
Thank you. This year has been difficult and presented some really difficult choices for everyone. Hope you’re keeping safe and well.
I am sorry to hear about what you are going through and we can no understand in some small way what you deal with. We all need to get out and I hope you can do so safely soon.
Thank you. Hope you’re keeping safe and well.
I’m sorry to hear there have been times when you have felt locked down. But I love your positive attitude and outlook, and it’s great to know certain aspects have become more accessible. Great post, very insightful!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Thank you, I always try to find a positive even in a terrible situation like this. Hope you’re keeping safe and well.
Great post and will give a lot of people a lift to know there are not alone during these tough times and beyond.
Stay safe and thanks for sharing
Thank you. It’s so important to connect with people and not feel alone. Hope you’re staying safe and well.
I relate to this so much. I’ve had challenges which have made going out difficult in the past and now I have friends who have reached out who finally understand how I had been affected. Your words were like I could have written it.
Thank you, this means a lot. It always helps to find other people who understand so you don’t feel alone.