COULD the coronavirus sweeping around the world have a second illness following in its wake? Just as we expect another wave and high curve we can also expect to see an outbreak of post-viral fatigue and trauma-stress syndromes in some people who have not only had covid-19, but also stressed from the effects of social distancing and losing income, family and businesses.. As a yoga teacher specially trained for PTSD, Trauma conscious teaching, therapy and meditation, I am concerned that we need to take new measures for those who are suffering and will suffer beyond the outward symptoms. If you experience fatigue, depression, or suicidal thoughts during or AFTER social distancing, contact a doctor, friend or me!
Viral infections have previously been linked to problems with long-term fatigue symptoms. For example, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes occurs after viral infections. People who have CFS experience extreme fatigue and a range of other symptoms, such as pain and sensitivity to light, but the condition is poorly understood.
Is it possible that the coronavirus could trigger PTSD, trauma or fatigue syndromes? There are hints from the related SARS virus that this may happen. After the SARS outbreak of 2002 to 2003, some people in Toronto, Canada, who were infected were recorded as experiencing fatigue, muscle weakness and sleep problems up to three years later.
We know that suicide increases after the one-year anniversary of post-trauma and a Harvard study showed health benefits of yoga reduce stress and anxiety. “Let it go” is what we are told, time will heal and “wait a year”. Not true, say, researchers and psychology therapists, letting go is a myth in a traumatized psyche. I know that yoga is not the cure, but it helps to meditate and look within for peace while looking forward to a positive future. Yoga has a range of health benefits, especially when combined with meditation techniques, like guided meditation and music or humming “OM”. The vibrations heal the most inner cells of the body, spirit, and with the world on the same healing while at home vibration today, May 8, 2020, we can spread positive energy to each other.
One technique is to look at the sky and see a healing light pointed at you. Sit in a cross-legged or Padmasana position, each leg crossed on the opposite thigh; Lotus pose is widely used in meditation. Close your eyes, scan your body from one side to the other while your eyes are gently closed. Feel the energy coming in when you inhale, and exhaling a light to the sky, universe, or higher power. Acknowledge your wandering thoughts. Repeat words like So Hum, which means I AM, FOLLOWED by a word or words of introspection, gratefulness, reflection and just be quiet for as many minutes as your mind and body allows you. NAMASTE.
