Covid coverage triggering

[Aog92]

Hi all,

I hope you are staying as safe & well as can be in these scary times.

I was just wondering whether anyone else is finding all of the coverage on TV regarding Covid quite triggering? It is of course very important that it is visible on TV for everybody to see what is going on in hospitals and the great work the NHS staff are doing. I am however finding it hard to watch the clips of patients in ICU. Even the frequent talk of ventilators and just hearing the words ICU I have found uncomfortable at times.

Prior to this outbreak, it was quite a ‘niche market’ that you didn’t really hear about unless you looked into it! So the sudden over exposure to what was a very difficult time I am struggling with. Ross Kemp filmed a documentary last week in an ICU, it was informative and important for people to see, but I had to switch it over. I have been getting a really strong flashback from one of the noises, it is a machine beeping, possibly a ventilator, it’s a very distinct short beeping tune that the first time I heard it in the background on TV you could have knocked me down with a feather. I don’t even know exactly what the sound brings me back to but it was suddenly so familiar. Other people probably wouldn’t even notice it if they haven’t been through it. My partner said he recognised the noise too, I think it is also difficult for families to be reminded of what was a dreadful time for them too.

I was in an induced coma in ICU in March and October last year after having severe seizures. I have found the emotional/mental side of my recovery tough at times anyway, and now seeing these very sick people who are going through/look how I did is making me feel quite unnerved. I know you can always just turn the TV off, but wondered if anyone else has had similar feelings these last few weeks?

Take care,

Amy

[AKAICUsurvivor]

Yes - my family especially have found the coverage at times very gratuitous.

I’ve found myself being annoyed by a lot of the coverage - it’s been too gleeful when describing old & infirm as being the main target of the disease as if we are an acceptable sacrifice. I tend not to watch as much news now.

If you’re struggling and wish to talk with people who have been where you’ve been, we hold a weekly Zoom meeting - email [e-mail] for details.

You may also find these links useful 😀

moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/pdfGu...

nhsinform.scot/illnesses-an...

[DrARDS]

It’s terrible for all. I don’t watch the news