My COVID Diary: ‘First It Was the Infection; Then It Turned into Stress and Anxiety

“COVID-19 struck me during India’s darkest phase in April 2021,” writes sports journalist Rahul Sadhu in his COVID-19 diary, as reported in the Indian Express in June 2021. In “My COVID Diary: ‘First It Was the Infection; Then It Turned into Stress and Anxiety,’” Sadhu offers insight to those grappling with long-term symptoms, sharing his experience during the third wave. Despite the seemingly ordinary nature of his symptoms, their persistence triggered mounting anxiety. He became acutely aware of his body and its changes, and constant exposure to social media intensified his fear, to the point where anxiety began to dominate his thoughts and daily routine. As his mental health worsened, he consulted a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with stress-induced anxiety. Sadhu emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes of mental health struggles, addressing emotional challenges with support from loved ones, and incorporating practices like meditation. His account highlights the psychological toll of COVID-19, reminding readers that while the effects are real, they can be managed.