What Long Covid has taught me?

Long Covid Kids
Aug 22, 2023
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Hi! My name is Katie, I am 16 years old, and I have had Long Covid for 2.5 years.

Prior to my Covid infection, I was a happy, entirely healthy teenager, who was highly academically driven and enjoyed playing tennis competitively six days a week.

Long Covid has taken all of that from me and I am subsequently having to deal with an enormous amount of grief and loss for that past version of me. And although this trauma is undeniably heartbreaking and unfair, I think it is important to remind ourselves to try to see the glimpses of light amidst all the darkness.

Take a moment to be grateful for the small things in life.

Treasure the feel of the sun against your skin on warm days.

Value being able to be in nature (whatever aids or adjustments you may need!)

It has cemented my lifelong love of books and literature. I know many people with Long Covid find it difficult to read, but thankfully this is not usually the case with me – although

on the occasions, my symptoms are too bad for reading,

audiobooks are a great option!

Losing myself in fantasy books has been my lifeline and something I will be eternally grateful

for. Thank you to Six of Crows, the Infernal Devices, and countless more!!

It has also introduced me to new hobbies and passions that I may not have developed had it

not been for Long Covid.

For example, my parents got me a dog, Darcy, to keep me

company and help me through and I have developed a real love for dogs. It’s always hugely uplifting whenever I am able to go to the park, whether in a wheelchair or not, and meet other doggies!

Above all, it has taught me to always prioritise my health and my happiness. Long Covid has highlighted what is important to me and my life. Knowing who you really are at your core and what you value is so vital to your identity, especially when so many other aspects have been torn away from you.

Nobody goes through life without darkness. Ours is just happening now.

One thing I do know for certain is that I won’t be the same person who walked into this; I’ll be kinder, more compassionate, resilient and strong. And I guess that’s what this is all about.

If you are experiencing new ongoing symptoms after a COVID infection please speak to your trusted adult and seek medical advice. Some symptoms can be treated and there are ways to manage other symptoms that make daily life a bit easier.

Long Covid Kids provide support and our website has lots of information.

You are not alone.

Email support@longcovidkids.org for support and signposting.