A plea from the chronically ill: please don't go back to the old normal

There is no point denying that the coronavirus pandemic has been, and continues to be, absolutely horrendous. It is terrifying and life-altering, whether you actually catch it or not. As well as the obvious physical and mental health implications, its effects are also seen culturally, economically and in the very fabric of our day to day lives. 

However, we have seen a lot of positives come out of this situation - community spirit, empathy, homeworking, virtual socialising and more entertainment than ever accessible from home.

I've noticed a lot of talk among the chronically ill community about this. We have wanted, no, needed this for so long. Sadly, it took a pandemic to get there. 

During lockdown we were able to join in with pub quizzes, go to a virtual party with friends, see a theatre performance and even watch live music 'gigs'. There are so many barriers to these things for chronically ill and disabled people ordinarily - a pain flare-up, fatigue, venue accessibility, and cost to name just a few. Plus, let's not forget those struggling with their mental health.

People are also checking in on each other a lot more, as now it has been acknowledged how difficult it can be to be stuck at home all the time and how it affects your mental wellbeing. The thing is, chronically ill and disabled people have often had this challenge for years. 

Personally, I don't feel too bitter about it - as a healthy person without these limitations, it's really difficult to comprehend. That was me once, completely ignorant of other people's struggles. 

I was surprised to realise that my daily pain and fatigue reduced hugely during the lockdown, which you can read about here. It still flares up of course, and lockdown was exhausting in other ways, but skipping my commute and the school run really made a positive impact on my health during that time. That was a real eye-opener. 

So my plea to you all is: please don't forget. 

Don't forget what it was like to be stuck at home all of the time. 

Don't go back to only socialising in person. 

Don't forget to check in on your family and friends. 

Don't stop providing entertainment virtually, even when you can provide it in venues again. 

Don't force your employees back into offices if they can work competently from home.

So many people benefit hugely from these things - and those people matter, too.