Two shots of covid-19 vaccine then our life could possibly go back to normal. Everyone’s aim and wish is to get back in their usual life. Some lost their jobs. Others miss their night life partying till dawn. Travel enthusiasts are screaming to get out of their homes and explore the world. And the worst scenario – many of us lost our loved ones in the midst of this situation. We all have our own battle to fight and trying to survive.
My Story – A Little Different With Your’s
Mine is a little bit, let’s say – unusual. I will be using the word “unusual” because not everyone recognize it as a serious condition, and I am getting responses for those who knows a little to nothing about it that I am just acting out.
I was diagnosed with GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Anxiety. Before I knew about it, I hit rock bottom with my emotions, mental health, the way I interact with people. Everything that I used to be – the outgoing, confident, jolly, spontaneous me – vanished in just a snap. Surprising factor is I didn’t solely acquire this condition because of unhealthy food intake but because of stress, depression and anxiety.
The situation we have because of pandemic made everything more burdensome for me to cope with my daily life. Most especially at times when I need to seek medical consultation. Acid strikes to me physically, but the slap of anxiety is no joke! It destroys me everyday. No medical vaccine shot can cure that. No over the counter medicine can totally delete the thoughts bugging my mind. Only temporary relief is in store for me. More than a year battle to unsure if it has ending is totally challenging!
Dear Self – It’s OKAY …
If they don’t understand the way you act around a group of people because it triggers your anxiety and gerd – it’s okay.
If they misunderstood you for being aloof because of what anxiety and gerd cause you – it’s okay.
If they find you strange whenever anxiety and gerd hits you in public – it’s okay.
If they judge your personality, throws name at you and misinterpret your doings – it’s okay.
You Can’t Force Everyone To Accept and Recognize Your Situation
Some people know little to nothing about the situation you have to go through every single day. They don’t know how does it feel when acid flare up whenever anxiety attacks you. They don’t know the feeling of being suffocated, can barely breath then just faint in an instant. They don’t know the dillema you’re dealing with each day. Prescription drugs can relieve for the time being but nothing can totally restore the old you.
No One and Nothing Can Stop Me!
But that doesn’t mean I can’t inspire or help others on my own little way. I use social media to influence and hopefully to inspire. My voice may not be that loud but my eagerness to spread positivity and hope will echo in my own tone through blogging. I maximize the use of digital platforms to extend my help by way of donations and increasing awareness.
The Two Vaccines We Need To Survive
Some health conditions and diseases can be treated with the use of medicine. Covid-19 can be prevented with the help of vaccines. While us who’s suffering from mental illness has no defined treatment. Happy to share that I found my Two Vaccines to survive this present circumstances! First is dose of Faith. Second is dose of Hope.
There’s no question on how faith can save us. Hold on to that faith to our creator and the people who loves us since day one. They are the ones who’ll stick to us till the very end. Sprinkle hope to your everyday living! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Everyday is a new day – so make the most out of it! As the song lyrics say “Believe me, been there, done that But everyday above ground is a great day, remember that”
This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.
I love your post! It’s very inspiring. Prioritizing mental health is essentially important as with our physical health especially during this time of pandemic. Most of us our stuck inside our houses. Doing mind exercises and faith related activities will help us grow mentally.
Author
Yes! Mental health seems to have a set back when being prioritized by most people. Hopefully spreading awareness about this could help people understand the situation.
It’s a great share! I am moved by the way you narrate your story of having to endure your situation every single day. But because of the doses you have discovered, I am really sure that you will be experiencing the turn around.
I am hoping that you continue to share and inspire people by the power of your words through writing. Thank you for sharing this. It helped me too. Spread the love. ❤
Author
Hi Jheng! I am happy to touch your heart. Let’s all spread love everyday!
Great!!!! Nakakagaan sa pakiramdam ung story mo. Actually, may partner also suffering anxiety like yours,.. Tama ka, Faith and Hope with God are the best medicines,. Very inspiring💕💕💕
Author
Hi Judith! I hope you support your partner whenever anxiety hits him – it’s not easy but with the help of people around him, he’ll get through it! Let’s strengthen our faith and hope.
It’s very helpful na nag oopen up talaga tayo kung ano man ang ating nasasaloob para wala tayong dinadalang bigat o any burden sa ating dibdib good thing may blog ka to share to everyone your feelings and emotions keep it up. More inspiring stories to come. God bless you and stay safe.
Author
Talagang makakatulong ang pagsasabi ng saloobin. Ang nakakalungkot na parte lamang nito ay hindi lahat mauunawaan ang sitwasyon ng isang tao. Nawa’y mas bigyang igting natin ang pakikinig at huwag ang panghuhugas.
Very inspiring post!🥰
For all the battles in life that we’re going through,faith and hope are the best weapon!Keep goin my dear!💚
Author
Thank you! We can never go wrong with faith and hope!
I enjoyed reading this post. I find it very inspiring and encouraging. We have to strengthen our faith and hope in dealing with different challenges in our life, especially in this time of pandemic.
Author
Hi Diana! Glad that you enjoyed reading my post. Faith and Hope are best combination. Stay safe!
Aside from Covid vaccine, faith and hope is indeed what we really need during this unforeseen crisis that we are all facing. Let us spread these two to lighten up the feelings of our fellow men.
Author
Let’s spread kindness and support everyday
Napaka inspiring po! Dahil po sa panahon ngayon mas lalong lumala anxiety ko pero nung nabasa kk po yung article nyo nagkaroon po ulit ako ng faith and hope and nabawasan yung anxiety ko. Salamat po sa pagshare! 🥰
Author
Nakakatuwa naman at kahit paano ay nakatulong ako sa iyo 🙂 Laban lang!
IF THE “REPUBLIKA NG MEDISINA ” CAN’T INVENT THE NEEDED SHOTS FOR THESE SILENT KILLERS, I’M DEFINITE THAT THE 2 DOSES YOU DISCOVERED ARE VERY EFFECTIVE. APPRECIATE YOUR BRAVENESS… FOR SHARING AND FOR COMBATING THESE VILLAINS, GOD BLESS YOU.
Author
Hi Sheila! Thank you 🙂 Let’s all be brave in our own ways for ourselves and extend a helping hand. God Bless you too!
Living with Anxiety is not easy.Everyday is struggle.And Yes,we need the vaccine.Faith and Hope.Not only to those people who suffered anxiety but to all of us.Your story is very inspiring.Thank you for sharing your experience.I admired your positive attitude on how to handle negative situation.Trust yourself,You’ve survived a lot and you’ll survive whatever is coming.
I hope your condition is not hindrance to inspire other people. I incude you in my prayer..More blessing to you.Godbless you and keep safe.
Author
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for the kind words and inspiring message. Truly that we all need Faith and Hope – in everyday aspect of our lives. God Bless you too and stay safe!
Very inspirational! The pandemic has affected all of us in different ways and some of those ways can’t be fixed by simply getting a vaccine. The vaccine is important but our mental health took a beating during the stress and fear of this period. Faith and hope are great tools to use to deal with this crisis. Good luck to you!
Author
Hi Nikki! I am happy that I inspired you in sharing my story. Let’s all have faith and hope. Stay safe!
True, not everyone can know and understand your situation. Great tips and inspiring post!
Author
Yes, there are still those that are not aware of conditions like what I have. We are just hoping for understanding and less judgement. Stay safe!
I think it’s so important for people to be talking about how the pandemic has affected them and their mental health battles because there’s no easy cure for these, but just understanding it and knowing you’re not alone must play a very small part x
Author
Hi Rhian! It means a lot those who suffer from conditions like mine (gerd and anxiety) if people will give no judgement and more understanding.
This can be a real struggle for many. It’s really nice to learn about other peoples journeys. Thanks for sharing.
Author
You’re welcome and stay safe!
Yes, you are right that faith and hope are the most important things we need to have right. I am glad to learn a little about you and your condition.
Author
Hi! Thank you 🙂
Thanks for sharing such a moving post. I love the narrative!
Author
Thank you Michelle!
You are sharing a powerful message here. We must learn to remain calm in difficult situations and it’s ok when people don’t understand. The main thing is to trust yourself.
Author
Hi Sarah! I am so glad to read your comment. Thank you and stay safe!
mental health isnt getting the focus it should be during this pandemic. great post that needs to be read by all
Author
Hi Jasmine! I hope we can spread more awareness about this topic. Stay safe!
Anxiety can be a terrible feeling and yes, not many people understand it. However, with faith and hope, one is good to go.
Author
Hi Viano! Thank you for reading my post. Stay safe!
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story. Indeed, we can never go wrong with faith and hope in hard times like this.
Author
Hi Alita! Thank you and stay safe!
thank you so much for sharing your story! anxiety is scary and it is important to read about other people facing it
Author
Hi Lyosha! Yes, anxiety is a silent killer. Sad that not everyone knows the real situation.
A lot of people (and it pains me to say people I personally know and know well) don’t even take as serious issue.
Author
This is the sad reality. Some thinks we are just acting up and making stories, but they don’t know the everyday struggle we encounter.
Hence, we shall keep living and spread positivity 🙂
I suffer from anxiety during stress and can understand what you go through however GERD is new for me. Is a very informative post and should be spread to create more awareness.
Author
Stress is the main source of my GERD and anxiety. GERD is related to stomach acid. Similar with acid reflux and chronic gastritis.
It sounds like you have an invisible illness. It’s one that others are not aware of unless you tell them. Anxiety can be very hard to cope with depending on severity.
Author
Hi Melanie! Exactly – invisible condition. Hardest part is people not knowing about it and those that easily judge.
One of the major challenges that everyone is facing as a result of the pandemic is our mental health, but I really admire how you are dealing with it, and I can truly say that you are a survivor.
Author
Hi Eduard! We are all survivor in our own story 🙂 Let’s all be brave and keep fighting! Stay safe!
I love posts that are realistic and relatable even if it’s not the same exact situation, but still a journey that’s familiar. I like posts that are positive but still shows vulnerability. I admire your honesty and strength.
Author
Hi CA! Thank you for appreciating 🙂 Stay safe!
I’ve never heard of GERD and I also have to say that I have two people close to me who suffer with anxiety. It is something I’ll never be able to understand but I’m glad that hope and faith works as a solution.
Author
As they say “you’ll never really understand something UNLESS you walk in my shoes” just be there for them and never judge, it’s more than helpful 🙂
Sorry to hear about your situation. My husband had the same problem a few years ago. He was suffering from severe acid reflux however, when he underwent endoscopy, the doctors can’t see anything wrong. They say it was because of stress or anxiety. The doctor said he might be a worrier.
Happy to know to find your “vaccines” faith and hope. Don’t worry things will be better soon. If it helps, my husband is okay now and I hope you too soon.
Author
Hi Clarice! Thank you for sharing your husband’s story. Seems like we are on the same path. Praise GOD your husband is okay now 🙂 I am optimistic that I will be okay too — SOON! 🙂 Stay safe!
I love your post! Definitely we need to remember that whatever we are feeling is perfectly ok and valid to feel that way. I too have an invisible illness and it sucks because “you look normal”. Health is more than the surface layer!
Author
You got the entire point! It’s really hard to explain when “we look normal” on everyone else.
The pandemic has affected many people in different ways especially mental health so it’s good to share and talk openly x
Author
Yes. We should learn to listen. A little time spent with someone who needs it is such a relief to them