Whilst we may all be home right now, once we’re out of lockdown and the country begins to open up again, I will be more vulnerable to catching Covid-19 because I deal with a pre-existing condition.

My impossible realities

The realities of me living through the pandemic has been impossible at times, and although I haven't been able to prevent emotional storms from cropping up, I am learning how to relate skilfully to each challenging moment.

Autism creates overthinking and overthinking creates fear

It is because I deal with autism that I overthink things and that creates fear. My mental health has never been so important, than it is now. How I feel today and cope in the pandemic, is not how I shall cope tomorrow.

It is difficult to have resolution around a virus you can’t see. Where I am relying on information and politicians to keep me safe, because I am vulnerable, that information isn’t always forthcoming, which adds more to my anxiety and stress.

Validation is important

Validation is important because it helps us cope with our emotions, function and protect ourselves. In the pandemic that has become near to impossible.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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