Coping with crashes

Mar 26, 2023

Explore the emotional rollercoaster of living with long COVID as the host shares personal experiences with crashes and relapses. Discover coping strategies that emphasize self-compassion, understanding energy limits, and the importance of pacing. Learn how to navigate the boom and bust cycle while developing personal symptom management tools. The discussion also highlights the significance of working within one's abilities and responsibilities to avoid further setbacks, all while encouraging support and sharing resources.

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Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Crashes

00:00 • 35min

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This episode of the podcast follows on from the last where I talked about Post exertional malaise (PEM), I talk on the subject of crashes. I have found the cycle of crashing and relapsing (boom and bust) very difficult. In the early days I found crashing challenging to deal with or to understand, I have pushed many times causing PEM and crashes. I did not initially understand what was happening. I was just trying to push through with the aim of getting back to my old self, my old life. This was never going to be a possibility and I have made myself much worse at times.
This is difficult to come to terms with but it is important to try and make peace with where I was at and work out how I could manage, stay within my energy envelope and avoid crashes. I use various symptom management tools and of course I always champion the 4Ps as pacing is the key when trying to manage energy and avoid those crashes.
It is important to note that this is individual to each person considering lifestyle, tasks, symptoms, responsibilities, abilities etc.
I still have the 4Ps planner available on my Linktree which can be used to support you with pacing. I also champion the visible app which you can download from your App Store.
I hope this episode is useful, as always please get in touch with any comments, or questions. I hope you have the best day you can, as always take care.

UK helplines:
https://www.samaritans.org Tel: 116 123
https://www.mind.org.uk

International helplines:
https://www.thecalmzone.net

My Links:
Long Covid clinic -Dr Binita Kane & Julie Taylor; Email: info@thelongcovidclinic.co.uk for more information

Episode sponsor; Turnto - This is a brilliant app, a one stop shop to support anyone living with, caring for or supporting and additionally professionals working with people living with Long Covid and or MECFS - please mention The Long Covid podcast n the "how did you hear about us" section, thank you
https://turnto.ai/download?utm_source=link&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=livinglongcovidpodcast

Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/joulest
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https://twitter.com/julieTa58407536
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/livingwithlongcovid/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/julie_livingwithlongcovid
Planners:
https://amzn.eu/d/9v9MP4v
Return to work planner:
https://amzn.eu/d/1QVK8zn
Well being planner:
https://amzn.eu/d/a1Safxc