When I was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, I experienced something unexpected – anxiety and PTSD-like symptoms that lingered long after the treatment ended. But what surprised me even more was how those feelings were triggered by a second major “C” – COVID-19.
In 2020, as the pandemic swept across the globe, I found myself struggling to cope with the trauma of being quarantined for over a year and watching my community suffer. The sense of isolation, fear, and helplessness was overwhelming. But what struck me most was how society seemed to move on from COVID without acknowledging its collective impact.
As I reflected on my own experiences, I realized that we’ve all been changed by the pandemic in ways we can’t ignore. We’ve lost loved ones, struggled with mental health, and redefined our relationships. Our stories matter – whether you’re a frontline worker, a young adult who missed school, or someone who simply couldn’t get a hug for a year.
Therapy helped me confront my anxiety and find coping mechanisms, but I wonder if society has done the same. Did we collectively detach from our emotions to avoid feeling overwhelmed? The answer is yes – and it’s left us with long-term effects that won’t disappear anytime soon.
As I navigate my own life today, I know I’m not alone in this journey. Our collective experiences have shaped us into the people we are now. Let’s acknowledge that the pandemic has left an indelible mark on our lives, just as cancer did for me. By sharing our stories, we can find solace and community in knowing we weren’t alone – even when it felt like we were.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covid-pandemic-impact-depression-anxiety-trauma_n_67d325d0e4b0e72dd7fee7df