by Stephanie Mooney
I have been in a period of self-isolation for over a week as my husband had developed a persistent cough. Was it Covid-19? I am not sure. Testing isn’t easy to access and we certainly do not want to pass this virus onto others. We are following the government’s advice by self-isolating for at least two weeks – but we cannot yet fully predict how long this will go on for and what may be different going forward in our everyday life. We know we haven’t yet reached the peak of the outbreak in the UK and we know lots of people also having to self-isolate. It is a scary time and I sense people’s anxiety around me. This situation is completely unknown for many of us - we are having to live our lives very differently and are trying to establish a ‘new normal’.
As we entered self-isolation, I started thinking about what could encourage me through this time. I remembered a story from Ebola (1) survivor, Aliu, who I met in Sierra Leone and whose story stayed with me. Even in the darkest of times, facing grief and trauma, Aliu had hope and reached out to others. He was in a holding centre, a treatment place for Ebola survivors, and around him people were sick and dying. Even in the midst of this terrible situation, Aliu continued trying to help others, encouraging them not to lose hope. Aliu was able to survive, overcoming stigma and further health challenges. Aliu’s story can be heard on the link below.
Aliu was able to rebuild his life and came out stronger as a result of his experiences. It is my hope that we will be able to rebuild after this crisis and that in these difficult times, I will be encouraging my friends, family and community. I have been touched by people reaching out to others and offering to provide food and care to the vulnerable and housebound in their communities. I also feel so much admiration and respect for the health workers who risk their lives everyday to treat patients who need their care. Aliu and these people give me hope and encouragement.
HCR has set up a Facebook group for people to share their stories of how you are coping during the various government lockdown measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Record and share your story!