Right now, the world is a scary and uncertain place. From disrupted treatment, lost work and wages, healthcare rationing, social isolation, and subsequent depression, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is disrupting the lives of every person in the U.S. (and the world!). These issues are especially real for those of us who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
The Health Stories Project team wanted to get a sense of how folks who are at high risk of serious illness are coping during these trying times. We learned a lot about your concerns and fears, but through it all, we also received many heartfelt messages of kindness and caring.
Heading into another weekend of social isolation, we wanted to publish some of these messages in the hope that we can help spread some positive vibes.
Editor’s Note: #HighRiskCovid19 is an ongoing movement put together by patient advocates across the U.S. including Molly Schreiber, Jennifer Walker, Ray Bouchard, Charis Hill, Dawn Gibson, Jed Finley, and CreakyJoints. You can learn more here.
The following is a small sample of the wisdom and strength our community members had to share:
“My cancer journey has taught me not to live in fear, but to enjoy every day for what it is. So, instead of increasing negative energy in my body, I choose to find things that make me happy and bring me joy. Please, don’t get me wrong, I don’t choose to put myself in dangerous situations either. I am social distancing and go outdoors to get my sunshine and exercise fix. I take my kids with me so I still have someone to socialize with while I’m out.”
Jen H., Stage 4 Breast Cancer
“One of the drugs that I am currently taking is hydroxychloroquine. It is one of the drugs being bounced around as a treatment/prevention and I’m hoping that it is successful in prevention. I also hope, like millions of others, this passes so life can return to normal.“
Kris K, Rheumatoid arthritis
“This is evolving daily for each of us. We all should be concerned but not fearful. We are all affected in one manner or another.”
Gail T., Lupus, Pulmonary fibrosis
What message do the people in your health community need to hear today? #shareyourstory
— Health Stories Project (@HealthStories) March 30, 2020
“Video chatting has helped me stay in touch with friends and family. It reminds me of the love and care I share with the people in my social circle. It’s an opportunity to share our thoughts, feelings, and coping strategies.”
Carl W, HIV
“Please have patience with your local health departments. They are on the front lines and are doing all they can despite a shortage of supplies and lack of testing technologies. We are stronger together.”
Bobby W, HIV
“I jumped on the #HighRiskCovid19 bandwagon on day 1. People needed to see the faces of those who would be most at risk. They are not always elderly.”
Maria M., Rheumatoid Arthritis
“I appreciate the second chance I’ve been given. I’m trying to abide by all the recommendations that are coming out. I wish everybody would!”
Eileen W., Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Lung transplant
“This is not just about one person or one family. This is bigger than ourselves. Nothing has been so damaging on a global scale. Be kind. Think of others. Your actions and reactions ripple out.”
Andy O., Borderline personality disorder, bipolar, PTSD
“I would like to encourage everyone reading this to stay calm and have empathy for other people. This is a terrible tragedy in many ways, but it does give us an opportunity to help others and be kind. We need to judge people a lot less and start working to get our country back!”
Eric C., HIV, heart disease, depression and seizures
Prayers & well wishes for any & all people who are suffering a ANY illness & now ESPECIALLY bc I’ve talked with a few who are terrified that if by chance they would contract this horrible virus, that government officials wouldn’t even try to treat/cure it. Just make them comfortable.
Thank you for these stories. It helps to hear from people who are coping the best they can.
We are grieving as a global entity. Give yourself patience, love and kindness. Extend grace and compassion to others. There are many that are not understanding the seriousness of this epidemic. Focus on you. Focus on the difference we can make and what we have control of. Breathe. Connect with something meaningful-learn something new. We are very important–each one of us. Believe we each have a role in this, no matter how small. We need to believe we can get through this!
This too shall pass! Stay home! SANITIZE! We may have a new normal when this is all over but we will adapt. In my life I’ve grown up with the 6ft rule so what we are dealing with now is nothing new. Everyone, please be kind to one another.
I feel more alone than ever
We must follow advice from the CDC, and local authorities. This pandemic must be taken seriously by everyone. It is an unfortunate circumstance we find ourselves in with the information coming from The White House appearing to be in conflict with the information we are receiving from doctors, nurses, and local government.
Let’s follow the current guidelines. Stay home. Take care of yourself and your family. We seem to be getting somewhere with all of the sacrifices we have made so keep it up.
I appreciate these messages and comments. I hope and pray things don’t return to “normal.” We need to return to God and move forward from there. This nation was formed on Christian principles and we need badly to return to them.
I just wanted to say be patient with yourself & those around you. We may not exactly be “in the same boat” but we are all floating on the same ocean scared about what comes next.
Say hello to each other, take a breath, we aren’t perfect but the beauty is in the imperfections! We will come out the other end, hopefully better people that remembers what crazy weirdness this experience has been & love each other a little bit better for that shared experience!
@DebraBarton, your not alone my friend we’re all together, especially at this time! ??