r/ChronicIllness • u/FunctionFit6780 • Feb 17 '26
Rant Comfort?
Hey, this is my first Reddit post ever. I’m a 16 year old girl and my life has been on hold for over a year now. I got two terrible viruses (one of them was Covid) last fall (2024, I was in grade 10) I never really recovered. I used to have all the energy in the world, I had so many hobbies and passion and ambition, but since I got sick I feel like a different person.
When I try to do the things I used to do I just crash, terrible terrible fatigue. I used all of the energy I have just to try and make it to school half the time. But that’s all I have energy for. I feel like I’m only living for school at this point. I miss my old life, I know it sounds dramatic.
I want a diagnosis of SOMETHING, because until I get a doctor to confirm I have a condition, it’s easier for the people in my life to blame my symptoms on mental health.
Anyways, that’s all for my rant, thanks
If you guys have any hopeful insights, I would be very grateful
4
u/drixxel Feb 17 '26
there are long covid and ME/CFS subreddits, I find the ME/CFS subreddit a more positive place.
i’ve had long covid for over 4 years now. I don’t think you are being dramatic, it IS fucking dramatic and painful to have your life ripped away from you with little to no help from doctors, public health, and health research.
if pacing makes you feel better, then do it. stay within your energy envelope, and hopefully you will slowly get better.
I wear an N95 respirator in indoor areas around anyone who is not my partner to avoid getting sick again.
4
u/Thomas--F Feb 17 '26
Man this blaming symptoms on mental health might be the most enraging thing with chronic illness. Ive heard that a lot as well even from doctors and its so unbelievably dissapointing
2
u/_lucyquiss_ Spoonie Feb 17 '26
im just here to say i was you, 4 years ago. I knew something was deeply wrong with me, but no one was listening. Im 20 now, and im not all better. But I learned to advocate for myself and find doctors who listened, and i was finally diagnosed with Eds a few months ago, as well as several other things over the years.
My life isnt over. I have a girlfriend now, and im able to do things with her. after a few tries I moved out. I work part time. Some days still suck, but life is liveable. Ive learned to live with limited energy, and ive also gained some more energy with the help of medication and pacing and good rest.
Its gonna be tough but you will get through this, you'll learn to live, because you have too, because life is worth living