Summary:

This heartfelt poem takes us through the personal journey of a young individual whose life plans were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The author shares their experience of the mental health challenges they faced, including the impact on their access to healthcare and the exacerbation of their eating disorder. The poem highlights the struggle of living in isolation and the desperation for things to return to normal. However, with the release of vaccines and the lifting of restrictions, the author finds hope and begins to rebuild their life, rediscovering the importance of social connections and embracing a value-filled life.

Takeaways:

💪 The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health, and as healthcare professionals, it is crucial to be aware of the challenges individuals may face during this time.

💪 Access to healthcare services may have been disrupted during the pandemic, making it important to find alternative ways to support patients' mental health and address physical health concerns.

💪 Isolation can take a toll on mental well-being, so it's essential to prioritize social connections and support networks for ourselves and our patients.

💪 Recovery from mental health issues is a gradual and ongoing process, and the pandemic may have presented additional challenges. Patience, persistence, and seeking appropriate help are important in this journey.

💪 Embrace a value-centered life and focus on the things that truly matter - relationships, personal growth, and self-acceptance. Remember that life can unfold even in unexpected circumstances.

🌟 Remember the importance of self-care and seek support when needed.

🌟 Be empathetic and understanding towards patients who may have experienced difficulties during the pandemic.

🌟 Encourage patients to reach out for mental health support and provide resources if needed.

🌟 Foster and maintain social connections, both personally and professionally, to support overall well-being.

🌟 Embrace a value-centered approach to life, focusing on personal growth and finding meaning in the midst of challenges.

My Pandemic Journey: Finding Hope Amidst the Chaos

Introduction

In my early twenties when COVID took hold,

I was waiting for all my life plans to unfold

But then the new virus hit and put it on hold

And as I waited, my dreams all grew mold

Coping with the Chaos

At first, I thought it would be a few weeks,

But in every area of my life, COVID sneaks

I take deep breaths, but still my brain freaks

“Life won’t be the same!” anxiety squeaks

As time goes on, my mood slowly descends

It’s been forever since I’ve seen my friends

Restrictions reign as the lockdown extends

Days, weeks and months in memory blends

Health Challenges

I’d planned to get better. I planned to improve

But COVID did my access to health care remove

My plan for mental health, it knocked off groove

My ongoing eating disorder did happily approve

Volunteering roles vanished, I had nothing to do

In the silence of dead opportunity, my ED grew

Living alone, the strong desire to die closer drew

I wasn’t sure if this pandemic I’d make it through

Battling Anorexia

To distract from the harsh throbbing of my brain,

I let my body take the brunt of my internal pain

Only when I starved, did the toxic thoughts wane

While the strength of anorexia grew more insane

I couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t live alone

My body renounced me with a grunted groan

My family took me in, couldn’t live on my own

As the skill of anorexia I grew to finely hone

The Long Waiting Game

Waiting for treatment, there was nothing to do

Time marched so slowly that my misery grew

Everything on pause till lockdown was through

When would it all end? No one actually knew

I was stuck inside sitting, waiting for life to begin

The only thing I could do was become more thin

But that wasn’t helping to anorexia recovery win

This ED was my pandemic-coping skill linchpin

A Glimmer of Hope

But slowly, so slowly the vaccines were released,

Hope began to grow as COVID cases decreased

Restrictions were lifted, opportunities increased

A chance at eating disorder recovery was leased

Things were added back into my daily routine

On my eating disorder, I did not have to lean

I was given many benefits for my future to glean

Life was returned thanks to a small vaccine

Embracing Recovery

I still have an eating disorder, not yet recovered

But while the pandemic, my life plans, it covered

My inner need for social connection I discovered

And the values that make me, me I rediscovered

A value-filled life, not a shadow, is what I now hold

Friends, family and work are my life’s firm handhold

I’m learning my body doesn’t need to be controlled

And like a long dormant flower, my life does unfold.