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Long Haul COVID: A Survivor’s Guide
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Long Haul COVID: A Survivor’s Guide

Transform Your Pain and Find Your Way Forward

Joseph J. Trunzo and Julie Luongo
Changemakers Books, 2021
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8

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  • Applicable
  • Concrete Examples
  • Inspiring

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Worldwide, COVID-19 has ruined lives and killed millions. How can people deal with its suffering, pain and uncertainty? Psychologist Joseph J. Trunzo and COVID-19 survivor Julie Luongo suggest methods based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people cope with the pandemic and its after effects. They report that people handling chronic illnesses or the aftermath of trauma have found this approach helpful. While getAbstract never gives medical advice, the authors' proactive exercises may be useful to those seeking resilience and “psychological flexibility” to help them come to terms with the pandemic and traumas of other kinds.

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic may inspire people to learn to manage pain and cope with crises.

The scourge of COVID-19 brought suffering, illness and death to millions of people across the globe. While having this illness is bad enough, its nonmedical side effects can include disconnection, isolation, unemployment, fear, anxiety and the loss of customary support systems.

Additionally, the pandemic ripped up relationships and brought about extended periods of isolation and loneliness. In the face of such profound disruption, people have a tendency to hunker down and wait for things to return to normal. But normal may never return. An emergent new normal may bring a new set of conditions.

People and organizations must adapt to these new circumstances, though some changes will be uncomfortable. Where familiar paths disappear, people must forge new ones as they deal with life’s challenges. 

People worldwide rallied together to face COVID-19 and to fulfill the human need for care, food and health care. Individuals are finding new ways to manage stress and to unite to solve common problems. Those...

About the Authors

Dr. Joseph J. Trunzo is professor of applied psychology at Bryant University in Rhode Island and the founder of Providence Psychology Services. COVID-19 survivor Julie Luongo is a professional editor.  

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