Happy New Year from Long Covid, MD!
Today’s episode focuses on a powerful New Year’s resolution inspired by Mister Rogers: Look for the helpers. For those of us navigating Long COVID or other chronic conditions, this simple advice is actually quite profound – and as you may already know, it’s not easy. In the first podcast episode of 2025, I break down my New Year’s resolution into actionable steps. Each step does require reflection and sometimes courage, but don’t get overwhelmed. Small steps pay off, and we’re all about keeping our efforts manageable at Long Covid, MD.
Here’s a summary of the ways you can apply Mister Rogers’ advice to your own medical journey. Get the whole story by listening to the podcast here on Substack, or on your favorite podcast app.Subscribe
First, Identify the Help You Need
Take a moment to reflect:
- What are your most pressing physical symptoms that require immediate care or deeper exploration?
- What are your emotional needs, especially in processing grief and loss?
- What are your practical needs (food, clothing, work support)?
Getting precise about your needs ensures you’re ready to act on available support, or recognize the right help when it comes your way.
Avoid the Detractors
Not everyone who crosses your path will be a helper. Avoid the people who distract you from your goal, and who might actually put you in harms way.
- Online trolls: Resist the temptation to engage with inflammatory voices on social media. These trolls thrive on provocation, and in many instances their inflammatory rhetoric makes them money. Don’t buy what they’re selling.
- Dismissive professionals: Sadly, some medical professionals are detractors in disguise. If a medical provider isn’t meeting your needs, assess whether they can offer anything at all (even if minor). If not, I suggest you move on. As I explain in the podcast, this is not an easy process, but your time and energy are invaluable resources. When a provider doesn’t believe you, or doesn’t believe long COVID is a legitimate disease, your energy is likely better spent elsewhere.
- Personal and Professional Relationships: This is even trickier. You can’t necessarily find replacements for a spouse or coworker. Often, you don’t want to. For this sphere of your life, it really helps to work with a trained mental health professional. Together, you can explore ways to maintain boundaries, improve communication, and meet needs for both parties. In the case of work, you may be able to identify necessary and available accommodations, or push back against discriminatory practices. Listen to my conversation with mental health therapist and disability advocate Paige Zuckerman for more insight into this process. It’s Episode 33.
Remember: you have a legitimate condition and you deserve care, regardless of who tries to question it.
Learn to Receive Help
For those of us accustomed to being the helper, accepting assistance can make us feel vulnerable. It can also be a blow to our ego and identity. When you have Long COVID, however, it’s crucial to allow others to step in. Recognize that your value is separate from your physical condition, and don’t let pride be an obstacle to getting the help you deserve.
- Say yes to help that meets your immediate needs.
- Say no to offers that don’t align with your priorities, but nurture those connections for future opportunities.
Bonus Wisdom: Energy is Precious
Your time and energy are non-renewable resources. Learning when to engage and when to step away is an ongoing practice. Prioritize where your energy will have the most impact.
Finally, Remain Hopeful
As I said in the podcast:
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who helped me. If you’re in a place where you can’t give, focus on receiving appropriate help. And when you’re able, pass it on.”
Let’s step into 2025 with hope, intention, and grace. At Long Covid, MD we’ll keep amplifying the voices of helpers and supporting you as you recover.
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Bye for now!