Making visible the real effects of Long Covid on people and their lives, this guide explores the issues of living with the condition, helping people to make sense of their experiences on the road to recovery. Rooted in the author's personal story of having Long Covid since April 2020, the book offers ideas from Narrative Therapy as a lens through which to address the emotional impact of Long Covid, and offers practical strategies for managing symptoms and regaining quality of life. Acknowledging that recovery is unpredictable, the book sheds light on the often invisible challenges faced by people living with chronic conditions, such as managing pacing and rest in a world that values productivity, the impact of illness on relationships, coping in the context of a pandemic, and negotiating day to day life when you are living between illness and wellness. Also drawing on the author's expertise as a Clinical Psychologist working in physical health, Breaking Free from Long Covid offers ideas for reconnecting with what matters most to you when illness threatens to take over your life.
Dr Lucy Gahan is a Clinical Psychologist working in palliative care in an NHS Clinical Health Psychology Service. With a history of working as a physiotherapy assistant and in the fitness industry, her passions lie in working with the mind and body. She has had Long Covid since April 2020.
Introduction. 1. How it Started. 2. Invisible Illness and the Healing Power of Being Believed. 3. The Recovery Project. 4. Recovery in the 'Real World'. 5. Long Covid and Relationships. 6. Responding to Trauma and Re-connecting with what Matters to you. 7. Talking with Professionals - Making the Most of your Consultations. 8. Your Long Covid Toolkit. 9. Pacing. 10. Living 'Between'. Appendix One. Reference. Resources.
Part memoir, part self-help guide for people with Long Covid for managing both the physical and emotional effects of the illness
An insiders perspective to Long COVID, the nervous system, and evidence-based rehabilitation modalities. A must read for patients and providers. -- Josh Duntz, CEO Stasis A must read, a book that I can 100% resonate with as a fellow LC sufferer. To anyone suffering with this debilitating illness or to family, friends and health care professionals to whom you will gain a greater insight to the life changing effects of the illness and will no longer feel alone on this journey. Thank you for raising much needed awareness to this frustratingly new illness. Wishing all LC sufferers answers and more poignantly health and recovery. -- Llinos Evans
