#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. The subject for today’s story is your everyday citizen who got infected with the virus but survived, another testament that people indeed survive the virus.

Hello. How are you doing today?
So far so good, good.

Hmm. So far so good? Why do you say so?
I have been having a great day and I expect it to continue to the end of the day. However, I am not unaware that someone may try to scuttle my good time even though I hope not.

Oh okay. I understand that. How has life been since the pandemic started?
I can’t complain it has been good. Though I was a victim of the virus, got treated and discharged.

Can you share with me what that was like? How you found out you had the virus and what you did to control it?
First, I must say that one can’t be careful enough not to contract the virus. We live in a society where we constantly are in need of others and are in touch with one another. As person who committed to living above fears of death and life, I was suspicious of an awkward and funny feelings.
Initially I thought it was either malaria and typhoid fever, so I got some useful anti-malaria medications. The feelings didn’t disappear, then I thought it could be the virus. I called out to the NDDC help line and I was booked for the COVID-19 test. Funny thing happened that the result was made known to me after 14 days by which time the feelings had disappeared and I had resumed work. But then I was scheduled
to be taken to the isolation/treatment center, a medical ambulance was sent to me and I was indeed taken to the center. I spent two weeks there and was certified ok.

Mentally, how were you dealing with it? Did you experience anxiety, panic attacks or any of such?
Yeah, occasionally I did exhibit some level of anxiety and expectations that their outcome was not of my making but of those who were managing me in the centre. Psychological, yes, the feeling of being isolated and confined to particular place for a period of time. I occasionally felt I was in prison. I dealt with the feelings by talking with people outside and getting updates on the internet. The question as to when will the doctors let me go was common. Every day I asked them.

Since you recovered how would you explain the reception you got from family and friends and even people who knew you had the virus.
Asides from sharing with few people, people don’t really know about it. For those who knew, the reception has been good. Everyone should have known that they are all susceptible to contracting the virus and can be treated. So, I don’t expect discrimination from anyone.

Are you okay now? I mean perfectly fine?
Oh, I am very fine. I resumed work today and no issues so far.

What would your advice to others be, as a someone who has had first-hand experience with the virus?
We all should be as careful as we can be. But if by chance we have it; it can be treated.

Lastly, how would you describe your mental state at this moment?
I am pleased with what Mani has been doing so far in terms of offering leaning shoulders to people. The awareness will make people less apprehensive. Man can’t stay away from thinking so much. Life is full of uncertainties which lead to stress etc. But I think I’m psychologically ok, emotionally, I don’t know.

I understand how you feel. Thank you for speaking to us.

You’re welcome.

If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.

The post Covid Story: The Man Who Survived The Virus. appeared first on Project Covid.

#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. The subject for today’s story is an entrepreneur and a student that has been hit badly by the pandemic and is just trying to stay afloat.

Hello. Can you introduce yourself and tell me what you do?

My name is Dr. Damilola Sanni. I am a family physician and an agricultural entrepreneur, or a farmer if you like.

This period has been particularly difficult on everyone, especially regarding our mental health and fears associated with getting the virus. How has this experience been like for you as a front liner, an entrepreneur and in your personal life?

There has been a general air of fear due to lack of enough information. It has not been business as usual as people’s lives has been tampered with, so there is general anxiety across board- from patients, to doctors. Everyone generally.

That is true for a lot of people. You were on the Babatunde Fashola Annual lecture as a panel member this year in relation to being a covid survivor. Can you take us through the experience? From how you contacted the virus, to informing your family members and your experience in the isolation center?

Some time in February, there was a piece of information in circulation about how the virus cannot survive in Nigeria because we’re in the tropics, so I was a little dismissive as first. I was being careful, and I took precautions, but I wasn’t so bothered still. The risk was higher for me because where I work is close to a point of entry into the country and high traffic.

When the full lock down started, it got more serious for me, but I still had to attend to patients in hospitals. I think I was exposed to a patient who had been treated for malaria by a colleague of mine. When I started getting sick, I thought it was just malaria too, and that it would pass. When we discovered that the patient we had seen tested positive to covid, and another colleague of mine had presented with loss of smell, I took the test. The test came back positive after three days.

At first, I told myself that I would be able to handle myself since I’m a doctor, but it hit differently.

How did you feel in that moment?

I was on my way home when I got the phone call. I had thought myself to be a strong guy, but when I heard, I slowed the car down to process what I had just heard. Honestly, I was surprised at myself because I didn’t think I was going to react that way. I wasn’t thinking about the possibility before, but when the result came in, I started to think about my life.

At this point, I was developing more symptoms so I had no choice but to take it seriously. When I got home, I got a call from psychosocial support- they wanted to ease me into the process of evacuation and quarantine, but I told them I’d rather isolate at home alone.

But I got a call the next day that I would be picked up in the next 15 minutes to be transported to the isolation center. I was so confused because I was not even prepared for that at all!

I was picked up and taken to a different isolation center, because I’m a health worker. It felt like a nice holiday, but with constant thoughts of death and all the things that could possibly go wrong.

My symptoms got worse while I was on admission- chest pain, abdominal pain, some side effects of the medications I was taking as well. As the symptoms worsened, I found myself thinking of a will. I thought I was young, but I began to think about the number of shoes I had, who will I be giving them to, etc.

Two weeks went past that way, and I was discharged and asked to go isolate at home for another two weeks.

Pre-testing, you were in constant contact with you friends and family?

Yes.

How did you feel about being high risk to them when you got your result?

My family is medically oriented, so they understood the risk. The part I thought about most wasn’t about my direct family, but about those that aren’t so medically oriented and had had contact with me when I was seemingly fine. The guilt of unknowingly infecting someone was very heavy on me.

I started thinking of telling all those I had met before knowing I was positive. The very worst part is that I have a very old grandmother I used to see every week pre-covid whom I enjoyed a very cordial relationship with and all of a sudden I had to avoid her and she didn’t understand why because I wasn’t going to tell her I had covid.

Were you compensated since you contacted the virus in the line of your work?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t. We’ve all had different experiences in our lines or work, and this being a novel experience, employers and employees have different ideas about what compensation is.

Things could have been handled better, of course. But the excuse is that we have never dealt with this before.

Did you face any level of stigma at any point in time?

Yes.

 Initially, quite a lot of people thought Covid is a scam, some still do. A few days ago, I was talking to a group of people about Covid and I asked how many of them believed in Covid and I didn’t get any response. I told them that I have had Covid, since every one of them didn’t want to admit they know someone that has had it.

Immediately, one woman stood up and said “It’s a lie! God forbid! I reject it for you in Jesus name.” I got various versions of that from the group, all of them praying that I will not have it.

I told them everything and they still didn’t believe me. The same thing happened when I told my barber that I had been infected. He looked like he was going to run away for a bit.

Due to my line of work, I’m not so sensitive to stigma. I tell them the truth, and if they don’t believe me, there is nothing I can do about it.

Thank you very much for this. It has been very informative.

You’re welcome.

If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.

The post Covid Story: The Front-liner Who Tested Positive. appeared first on Project Covid.

#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. The subject for today’s story is an entrepreneur and a student that has been hit badly by the pandemic and is just trying to stay afloat.

“I have been self-isolating due to exposure to the virus. I am an entrepreneur whose business has been affected heavily and negatively due to the viral outbreak. I am Unemployed because of the pandemic”

Good afternoon. I’m from MANI and I’ll be interviewing you. I have a few questions and I’d like to know if you’re ready and comfortable. In the course of this interview, if you’re uncomfortable with any question, let me know and we’ll skip that.

Good afternoon and thank you. Yes, I am ready and comfortable.

Thank you. Do you live alone or with family?

With family, for now.

Were you living alone before the COVID outbreak?

Yes.

If you don’t mind me asking, did the COVID outbreak cause this change? If it did, how?

I was having rent problems as I was unable to pay and had no job at the time. It was the most logical option.

I’m so sorry about that.  How has it been for you?

It’s been really depressing. It was like being between the devil and the deep blue sea. I had no job at the time and couldn’t really afford my basic needs.

Have things gotten any better since you’ve been with family?

Well, at least I have a place to stay and food to eat. It’s basically just surviving.

How did the outbreak affect your business?

My business is an online store. Well, people were underpricing. Then, the cost of ordering and shipping had almost doubled the capital I had left. Cost of delivery to clients who ordered was really expensive. In essence, people weren’t really focused on luxury especially during a lock down. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said I didn’t make any sale this year. I also do not have capital to restock.

With all that has happened and is still happening, what do you think about the survival of your business if this outbreak doesn’t end?

It has just been static. I am hoping for change. I intend to give it my best regardless.

That’s great! I’ll be praying and rooting for you.

Thank you.

Considering everything that has happened, how has your mental/emotional health been affected and what have you done to cope?

It wasn’t easy, but I found myself getting a new hobby and inculcating some new habits and routines. I started to read more books and novels, and collecting hardcover of the books if I can afford it. I added working out to my routine with a little bit of yoga.

Sometimes, I wake up sad or crying but I keep reminding myself that it is not permanent and things will change for the better.

Has your relationship with your family and friends been affected? How?

With friends, I’m still keeping up. There’s social media to keep in touch with them. For family, school is at a standstill for the younger ones and even for some friends who were furthering their studies. Still, they are all okay.

Have you gotten closer to them during this time than before?

Can’t say for all of my friends. A couple of them maybe. Some want to be in their space. However, I am closer to family.

That’s great! What plans did you have before the outbreak?

Wanted to get a job and further my studies.

How have your plans changed since the outbreak?

Schools are closed till further notice. There can be no furthering in that till things change.

How are you handling expenses given the state of your business?

Basically, I’m in a hand to mouth situation. I only spend when I need to. A couple of friends have been wonderful.

Ok! we’ve come to the end of the interview. Thank you for participating. I hope things get better for you.

Thank you again and have a good day.

Thank you very much.  I hope to hear from you soon.

If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.

Interview carried out by our awesome Covid Interview team-(Halima, Asma, Tosin and Jeniffer.)

The post Covid Story: An Entrepreneur Working Through Depression appeared first on Project Covid.

We are working with the Journalist, Socrates Mbamalu to share stories from people that have been directly and indirectly affected by this pandemic. 

#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. The subject for today’s story is a single lady that is far from home and trying to make new connections to survive through the pandemic.

What are you doing now?

I’m working. I’m done with school, but I haven’t started my internship. So, I’m just working while waiting for my internship.

As a single person, what does being in isolation mean for you?

Well, it was horrible for me, and made my mind think up rather funny things. But that was before I got a job, now, I’m much better.

How are you dealing with basic amenities like food, water, light etc.?

The electricity supply here is quite horrible, but most evenings we use the generator. I’m staying in a family house so I don’t really spend on expenses. I’m really grateful for that.

Do you ever feel alone or lonely? How do you manage it?

A looooooooot, especially since I’m not with my immediate family. Most times I feel nostalgic.  I miss my parents and siblings, and thanks to this lockdown, I’m stuck where I am. So, I’m in Lagos right now. But my parents stay in the East. I came to Lagos in March, and I was supposed to go back home in April. But here I am in June, still in Lagos.

Do you think it would have been better if you were stuck with your parents? And were you working there?

I actually wasn’t working there, but yes, I actually think I would have been better with my parents. There’s this sense of belonging one has when he’s with his family. Even though they might vex you sometimes, but you know you’re great. I am actually very comfortable where I am, and I don’t know if I could be more comfortable with any other relatives. However, sometimes, I feel alone and really lonely. And then you start acting too careful so you don’t step on toes, and you take crap that you normally wouldn’t take cos you know it’s not actually your house.

Do you think that this could have been different/better if you were in a relationship?

Well, I would have had someone that I’d be free with who I could gist with all the time, or some of the time. I’m someone that likes talking, and gisting. Unfortunately, I can’t talk to the people in the house, maybe because they aren’t interested.

My only cousin that I could talk with to an extent is a workaholic. He can literally work for 24 hours .  So, I used to call my parents and siblings all the time, they understood me better, so they were really there for me. We gisted a lot. Sometimes, we would organize a zoom meeting just to catch up and pass time.  Then, I met some people online and we got talking.

Now, my cousin always complains that I’m with my phone, but that’s the thing, if I’m not on my phone, I can’t even gist with them, so why should I not be on my phone?

What has been the scariest moment during this pandemic?

I saw a report of the NCDC that there was a corona patient in Enugu, so I became scared for my parents. Especially my mom who refused to stop going for morning mass everyday despite my pleas. I started developing symptoms of the virus. Coincidentally, I just finished treating malaria with its fever and all that week. Then, I saw an update around Friday night about NCDC on someone’s status. When I woke on Saturday morning, I had a running stomach coupled with a lot of other COVID 19 symptoms. I had this going quietly for a week and a lot of pressure on my chest. I started to keep to myself; I refused to sit around with people. After about a couple of days I had to open up to my two sisters. One of them is a doctor. She was the one who calmed me down and told me that I might be having a panic attack.

Moreover, if I do have the Virus, it’s not a death sentence because she has been treating some COVID 19 patients. After we had this conversation, I calmed down and I figured a lot of my symptoms were disappearing. The whole panic attack saga took about one month.

If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.

Interview carried out by our awesome Covid Interview team-(Halima, Asma, Tosin and Jeniffer.)

The post Covid Story: A Single Lady Quarantining Far From Home appeared first on Project Covid.

#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. The subject for today’s story is a final year student whose life is currently on hold due to the pandemic but is finding new ways to maintain her sanity without placing any pressure on herself.

So do you mind telling me about yourself?

I am a 400 level student of Unilorin studying business education. I’m the first child of my parents and I’m presently in Lokoja with my dad. I have no vocational experience but I love volunteering.

How has it been since the COVID situation started? What is life now like for you?

It has been one hell of a ride since the COVID situation. We were asked to leave school because of it and I came down to my dad’s place (my mom and dad are divorced). At first, it was all-loving, fun and all but it quickly changed into constant quarrels and arguments with my Dad’s wife, and my dad didn’t make it any better. But I came to terms with it settled with my Dad’s wife. Life has taken another beautiful turn. I now read daily, have fun with my Dad’s wife but with caution. My dad has settled with us too. I’ve not seen my mom since my sister and I came back three months ago but we talk on the phone daily.

You’ve not been able to see her due to lockdown, right?

No, I haven’t.

 In terms of finances how have you been coping?

It has been difficult really. The COVID has cut some of my dad’s source of income so we’ve been forced to manage. I understand this and I don’t really disturb them for money. While in school, I saved with Cowrywise and my savings has matured and that’s what I’ve been spending. But now, it’s almost exhausted.

How do you feel having to rely on your parents for everything?

No fun at all I must say.Sometimes my mum will be in need and I’d be unable to help her. Not all my needs can be catered for by my parents but I have no other means so I just manage with whatever I get.

How do you cope with uncertainty as regards what to do?

Well, I mostly depend on God. I try to work hard and I also try not to expect too much in order to protect my emotions when things don’t go as planned

How has doing chores at home been?

Doing chores hasn’t been fun, but I do them anyways. I mostly enjoy doing it with my sister.

How does home feel like for you right now?

Good. It’s just that sometimes when I think about how long I’ll be home for, I get scared. I don’t know when this pandemic will be over.

What do you do to block that thought or the scary feeling?

I pray. But sometimes the prayer doesn’t work so I end up calling my best friend. We all talk at length and by the time I’d be dropping the call my mind will be back to normal.

So let’s talk about how this COVID situation has affected schooling.

As a final year student, it has been bad. I feel sad, angry, worried, scared.  It has affected my course work self because my supervisor’s number hasn’t been connecting. Since Covid started, I’ve been feeling lethargic towards school work.

Sorry about that. In a world without Covid, what would your plans look like?

I would have written chapter 1-3 of my project and hopefully had gotten my supervisor’s approval.  I was also supposed to study hard for my third ICAN exam because I failed in stage 2.

Also, I’d almost be done with tests and preparing for my second-semester exams.

When were you supposed to graduate?

October this year

Is your school providing e-learning?

Nope. The teaching staffs went on strike even before escalation of COVID in Nigeria

Darn.  Are you trying to learn something new?

To be very honest, I had that enthusiasm in the early days of the lockdown, but I don’t know what happened. I guess the pressure weighed on me and I decided to concentrate on my wellbeing and happiness.

That’s the most important thing, your wellbeing. What’s your typical day like now?

After waking up, I pray, greet my dad, do the normal chores: that involves sweeping the house and then I join my Dad’s wife in the kitchen. After that, I go to my Aunt’s shop where I spend most of the day. At my Aunt’s shop, I read novels, surf the internet, pray at intervals before coming home to prepare for dinner.

Has this routine helped mentally?

The only thing out of my routine that has affected me mentally is the internet. The internet has painted the world to be a very bad and unsafe place to live. I go online every day and I see bad and gruesome news, it gives me panic attacks all the time.

Many times, I end up calling my best friend or I read emails from MANI or diary of a Naija girl. But I couldn’t contain myself and decided to get a break off social media and everything that has to do with it. I’ve been fine ever since I made that decision up until yesterday evening when I logged back. But I’ve also decided to have restraint and not read anything that is stressful.

If COVID were a person what would you say to it?

We’ve had enough of you please give us back our normal lives.

How do you feel now that you’ve been able to express yourself like this?

Relieved or should I say happy I’m really happy to have expressed myself fully and without any pressure from you. Thank you.

If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.

Interview carried out by our awesome Covid Interview team-(Halima, Asma, Tosin and Jeniffer.)

The post Covid Story: Quarantining Far from Home. appeared first on Project Covid.

To some extent, your mental health is determined directly and indirectly by the happenings in the society. A person who is clinically depressed could become even more depressed for being “cooped up” indoors. A person with an anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder could potentially face more episodes because of feeling “trapped” and feeling helpless with the incidents happening around the world.

Truth be told, working from home can be very unproductive and boring. And for most people who are not working at home, staying sane is like being with the Joker in Gotham Asylum. So, how then can a person stay sane in the midst of this pandemic? How can you and I not “lose our shit” with everything going on?

Here are some proven suggestions that work:

(The pandemic has been going on for a while, but a number of us are still yet to adjust or find a coping mechanism that works. Or simply given up on trying. I hope something here gives you the urge to try.)

1. Social Connection: As humans, our need for human comfort is undeniable. Our career sometimes creates distance between family
   and friends because of time nonavailability. Time? You have it now. Call to catch up on everything you missed. Chat them up on social media. Video call. And if you have them close-by physically, spend more time with them than with social media. Do everything to fill up that vacuum.

2. Staying Active: Try out your inner chef. Food is good for the body no doubt. But good food? That’s even better. It keeps you relaxed, gets
   your immunity up to battle any illness (falling sick at a time like this is not needed). Go online. Research what to do with recipes you have at home. Try them out, and maybe just after this period, you might decide to open up a restaurant. Invite me to the launch though, I love food.
   Also, workouts are a good way to stay active. And no, I’m not trying to kill you. You have a lot of spare time on your hands, so why not get that body in shape? The abs and muscles or toned body you have been looking for but haven’t had time to start working on them, well, the universe just blessed you with an opportunity. Go to Playstore, download an exercise app or use the web version and get that body in shape. Take daily pictures to show progress and encourage yourself.

3. Brain Diet: As physical “munchable” food is for the stomach, so are books for your brain. Read a book. If you are like me, gathering
   knowledge is a skill – being able to hold any conversation is a necessary skill in the world today. How to do that? By reading little about
   everything. Read novels, read about politics, read about mental health, read about photography, read about fashion, read about business, read! Learn new words. There are several online books and platforms and even offline versions. Examples are Anybooks, PabPub, Pocket.

4. Online courses: Yes, online courses. They are not only for the geeks. The workforce today doesn’t rely solely anymore on what you studied in school, but the extra skills you have got. Take courses in copy writing, programming, business, project managing, etc. These courses mostly come with certifications, so that is an added benefit.

5. Movies: Haha, yes! As a stoic movie lover, I put it to you that there is no greater time-consuming agent than movies. Have you noticed that while watching a good movie or TV series, you sometimes forget to eat and only realise late in the evening? (please endeavour to eat). That is the power of a good movie. Create a family cinema. Download movies and series or binge watch Netflix. There are great movies and series to see.

6. Skincare routine: You don’t have to come out of this period looking like you got hit by a truck. Simple skincare routine can leave you with a glow. And glowing isn’t limited to females alone. Clear skin is not limited to a specific gender. Several online platforms boast of natural homemade skincare products. Go on to try them. Did you also know your skincare routine
benefits your mental health? Medically, this is a proven fact. Matt Traube, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and a psychodermatologist in California says that “healthy eating habits, exercise, skincare and journaling are critical for your overall mental health.”

7. Clear that clutter: Arrange the house. Pack out those junks lying around. Give your home breathing space. Clutters are not even limited to your home or room alone, but also on your phone. Use this time to delete pictures, documents or files that take up space on your phone. By doing this, you will stumble on old pictures and that is a good period to reminisce. Also, clearing your clutter helps you manage stress better and a spacious room improves mental health.

8. Sleep: As over flogged as this may sound, it cannot be overemphasised. Sleep deprivation can affect your mental health adversely. An adult needs 7 – 9 hours recommended to function optimally. In a country like Nigeria and a state like Lagos, getting the recommended hours of sleep is almost wishful thinking. Still, endeavour to sleep more especially during this period. Your body will thank you.

-Olawunmi Olaniyi.

The post Maintaining A Sane Mind Amidst A Pandemic appeared first on Project Covid.

#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. The subject for today’s story is a nurse that is proud of what she does, but has been dealing with recurrent anxiety since the pandemic started.

So, You’re a medical practitioner? Tell me about that.

 I’m a Nurse, a proud one. I’ve been practicing for about two years now.  I’m still fresh in the labor market.

Nice. Do you live alone or with family?

I got this job during the pandemic and I had to move far from home. I stay with my friend and her family. The last time I saw my family physically was in March. I missed my mum’s birthday; we do video calls sometimes. On my mum’s birthday, I had to attend via video call and it was really emotional for me.

I threw a surprise party for her, planned with my dad and siblings. It’s the least I could do.

How has it been for you and how has the experience been like?

Hmm! Some days, it’s great, other days it’s like wo! I should quit. I think the one thing that drives me is the passion I have. It’s been really stressful. Some days, I have to attend to 39 personnels at once. I don’t call them patients because they aren’t positive. So basically, I work at a quarantine location. I observe them every day (twice daily), I take their temperature and also ask them vital questions so I can identify if they are developing any symptoms.

I eat my meals late and I have stomach ulcer so, some days I battle with stomach pain.

Being at the site, I had no contact with the outside world for up to a month. I don’t get to see anyone till my time off. Even during my time off, I try to minimize contact with the outside world because, apart from the fact that I am at high risk (I have underlying health conditions), I still wouldn’t want to risk the lives of others. After two weeks, I have to get back to work and it means if I expose myself during the time off, I’ll endanger everyone else.

 To clarify, I work for one month at a quarantined location then I take two weeks off.

Personally, I love my space, I am an introvert.  I hate going out, but then, sometimes I just feel like taking walks, But I can’t because there is a probability of getting exposed.

Generally, I’ll say the experience has been both good and bad. There are some days that I’ve legit felt like quitting not because of the workload but because it is mentally draining. I had a case once when someone deliberately decided to risk everyone’s life at the site. I didn’t know what to do, I was confused and, I didn’t know whether to report to my superiors or let it go. But then, my anxiety couldn’t let me ignore the many what ifs.

I had a mental breakdown. I’ve had a couple of breakdowns too.

How are the living conditions at the quarantine site?

The living condition is comfortable, very comfortable actually. I was at another location but I got transferred to a better place. The food at the previous site was terrible. Most days then, I just pick the food and struggle with it passing my throat as it was the same menu. The melon soup will make you stool for days and I hate melon soup. I don’t even want to talk about the tasteless bread roll.

Well, this new place is way better. The food tastes homely. At a point, I buy bread and biscuits whenever I want to resume so I can be eating when the food isn’t edible at all. I force myself to eat because I need it to live plus I don’t want to have ulcer pain.

Have you had a positive patient or a patient that passed away due to this pandemic? How was the experience?

 Luckily for me, there hasn’t been any positive case at my location. The tests done are always negative.

So I haven’t experienced it.

How has your mental/emotional health been affected? What have you adopted to cope?

This pandemic has affected me mentally. My anxiety level has been at its peak. As someone whose lungs and heart are barely functioning, I’ve had to put in extra effort just so I don’t get infected.

I see everyone as a potential carrier.

I stopped looking at the numbers because the daily increase makes me panicky. I don’t even check NCDC at all. I actually don’t care about the numbers at all.

I started by checking just once a day then I reduced it to once in a while.

What I’ve been doing to keep my sanity is to chat with a few people I know understand my mental health journey. I have over 200 chats I haven’t replied to and I don’t think I intend to. Not because I don’t want to reply to them, but because I am trying as much as possible to just stay on a balance. I watch movies a lot now during my free times. I started journaling again, this really helps me especially when my head starts feeling like a whirlwind. And then, when it gets too overwhelming

I have four people I can call or chat with (my partner, my counselor, and two very good friends I got from volunteering with MANI). They’ve been here for me and I am always super glad because they are always there to listen to all those “crazy” thoughts, those self-doubts. I’ve had a couple of wins and losses too this period, and for each one, they’ve been there to cheer me up.

How do you feel about going to work daily, what are your fears and worries?

Every day, I wake up excited. Well, apart from those days I’ve been cranky. I mean, it feels good knowing I am doing my little quota to minimize the spread. I’m educating the people I supervise about the importance of washing their hands and observing the social distancing, using their gloves and so on.

It’s an exciting experience especially knowing that these people appreciate everything I do. Someone even calls me “abroad nurse” he said I don’t behave like the typical “Nigerian nurse” Lol.

My fear is having anyone who is positive on my site. That would mean, I’ll come in contact with the person and chances of being infected however slim, is still there. If I should get infected, the likelihood of surviving is slim.

That’s my greatest fear.

So I’ve deliberately been very careful, extra careful, but one can never be too careful.

How do you feel about being at high risk to people around you?

 Honestly, I feel scared. I’ve refused to go visit my grandma even though we are in the same town because I wouldn’t want to risk her life.

Would you rather not come home to family out of fear of infecting them?

Honestly, yes. If I have the opportunity to choose that, I wouldn’t mind till all this is over.

Are your loved ones aware of your level of exposure to people at this period? (For healthcare workers in the front line, are they aware that you are in direct contact with Covid-19 related cases?)

Yes, they are aware, and they always tell me to be careful.

Are you being avoided by loved ones or people who are aware of your level of exposure? And Have you ever felt stigmatized?

No, not at all. They joke about it alright. Like oh! Don’t come close to me covik one nine nurse.

“You should be quarantined before entering the house”.” Ehhhh wash your hands before touching me” If I sneeze, they will shout “it’s coronavirus”. Lol, but it’s all bants, because when they also leave the house, I do the same to them.

Are you being compensated in a special way for this? If so, how?

Financially, yes. Pay is good. Plus, the whole experience and my CV feels rich too.

How do you feel about going out every day knowing that this might be the day you get the virus?

I know how my mind works, so I always try to not think about it at all, else I just might have a meltdown from it all.

She texted the next day:

‘From the tests done yesterday, two people are positive, I’ve just been working out to take my mind off it, they have no symptoms though.  But they are isolating. I won’t have contact with them, only contact will be via phone call only. I believe no one will contact the virus here because of the strategy I’ve been using.’

If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.

Interview carried out by our awesome Covid Interview team-(Halima, Asma, Tosin and Jeniffer.)

The post Covid Story: The Nurse Fighting for Her Life appeared first on Project Covid.

There’s also Emma’s story (mind.org.uk) whose obsessive compulsion tells her there should be three pieces of cutlery in each section of the dishwasher. Including the countless number of persons who can’t but just arrange their room in a particular manner or have to wash their hands as many times as possible. A general truth about OCD is that it’s always thought to be part of one’s nature. The thought patterns are usually quite clever, convincing, realistic and reasonable such that the only explanation would be that they’re your own thoughts. Nevertheless, these “thoughts/ compulsions” also called OCD aren’t yours they’re hidden somewhere in your brain pretending to be yours. To claim them as yours would be to claim something that isn’t yours. 

When you become compelled to have to do something repeatedly(obsessively) even when you don’t want to, it’s not you anymore, it’s the OCD. Then it introduces his favourite twin brother ‘consequence’ into the picture. It’s also quite clever and an experienced blackmailer. Telling you how your thoughts would become a reality if you let anyone in on them. It says if you dare let anyone in, they’d see you for who you really are. Funny thing is the person it claims you are is in fact them, not you. Like I said, it’s a master blackmailer.

James was plagued with obsessive thoughts for over 10 years thinking that was who he was. Just like the many who suffer from OCD who might sometimes wonder why people don’t see things from their own perspective. Why doesn’t everyone wash their hands as often as they do? OCD is an illness people usually don’t  know they have until they’re diagnosed with it. Research has shown that both the structure of the brain and communication from neurotransmitters are displayed differently in OCD victims. Those thoughts and compulsions do not define you. They’re just different entities to who you are. 

As a matter of fact, they’re just thoughts and compulsions until you attach meaning to them. Truth is James isn’t a murderer, has never murdered anyone and is often repulsed by intrusions so would never murder anyone. He won’t also jump into a lagoon, he loves his family and there isn’t a lagoon close to where he lives. Nothing would happen to Emma if she leaves her blinds open. The thoughts are just thoughts until you give them meaning. The compulsions aren’t you. Yes, you experience them but they’re not you. You shouldn’t let it make you feel it’s who you are now. If in the process you begin to feel overwhelmed by the thoughts and compulsions, you can always reach out to us at MANI. 

Please always remember that having OCD doesn’t make you a dysfunctional person, you’re just a special beautiful soul and you can get through this.

-Praise

The post OCD: Real People, Real Stories. appeared first on Project Covid.

#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. This entrepreneur that has had all her plans scattered by the pandemic is taking each day as it comes with positivity and hope, as she is determined to enjoy every little moment that comes her way.

The subject for today’s story is an entrepreneur. She walks us through life in Covid and how she’s adjusting to the new reality.

What’s the first business you ever did?

Does writing count? I started writing in 2014. But I was writing mostly novels and poetry. Then in 2018, I started making beads and coconut oil. In addition, I also make foot wear. Lastly, I train people as a gym instructor.

Wow. That’s a lot.

Well, even with everything, Covid has still been affecting my businesses. I’ve been locked inside the house.

I can’t sell my products the way I do. I make coconut oil and sell to people that order for it. But ever since the pandemic started, I haven’t had customers.  I also train people on how to make coconut oil and beads and I can’t do that either.  For the writing aspect, I am still waiting for that big break; nothing yet. So, my business is stagnant and I am not moving forward. To make matters worse, I have no support.

So sorry. Do you live alone? Do you have some type of support (emotional/financial) during this time?

No, I’m staying with my family for now. Even though I live with my family, there’s still no support from them. I do everything myself. It’s a long story and I’ll rather not get into why. I just hope that it all makes sense one day.

Me too. Do you have any staff for your business?

No, I don’t have any staff. It’s a really small business.

That’s scary. How optimistic are you for your business if this pandemic doesn’t end soon?

I am positive that I’ll go far. I have the passion for this business and I know it’ll take me far. All I need is financial support if only I can get one. But if I can’t, then I’ll keep striving till I get there by his grace.

My business is going to be life changing physically and spiritually. I can feel it.

Amen! How has this whole covid experience affected your mental/emotional wellbeing? And what have you adopted to cope at this time? has been your coping mechanism?

This experience really affected me mentally and emotionally. It scattered a lot of my plans.

I’d have achieved so much if covid hadn’t obstructed my way. I haven’t been myself, I think a lot, even when ideas and plans come to mind, I only write it down because there’s no motivation to execute.

I feel really sad.

I just know that no matter what situation you find yourself in, you should never give up.

Never give is the biggest lesson for me. I won’t give up on my plans and opportunities. I’ll keep striving until I get to where I want. This belief is what has been helping me get through.

Would you like to add anything?

Yes. Always remember that life is about enjoying the little moments while struggling to achieve our aim. It’s important to not let it pass us by.

If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.

Interview carried out by our awesome Covid Interview team-(Halima, Asma, Tosin and Jeniffer.)

The post Covid Story: The Entrepreneur Surviving On Hope appeared first on Project Covid.

#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. This soon to be lawyer has suddenly found her entire life on hold, as The Nigerian Law School has put all activities on hold due to the pandemic. Now she’s back home and practising the art of indifference to stay sane.

 What school do you attend?

   The Nigerian Law school.

How has it affected your research/project?

I’m done with undergraduate school. The Nigerian law school is for professional qualification. We don’t do projects. However, we were supposed to begin externship in firms, and court attachment in March. Then we were supposed to conclude this month and resume next month. The calendar has been disrupted. Our final exams were supposed to be in November. I doubt that it’ll hold. The pandemic has had a trickle down negative effect.

What were the plans you had before & Where did you think you’d be or what did you think you’d be doing at this time?

I definitely had plans. I had thought I’d be preparing to round off my chamber attachment by the end of this month. I really don’t know how this will all span out in the larger scheme of events. No one has ever experienced this before so there’s no blueprint to follow. Right now, I’m just sitting at home and waiting. The waiting part is frustrating because it’s hazed with uncertainties and most likely in the final analysis, students will bear the brunt of the after-effects of the pandemic as is always the case with the Nigerian Academia. The NLS put in place virtual classes using Google-Meet/Google-classroom; but this is the first edition, so it’s had hitches and technicalities here and there. The virtual classroom can’t contain all students. Honestly, a physical classroom experience for this educational journey is preferable; it’s just not the same.

Reading within a time frame is more motivating.

How do you feel about the delay?

Now I feel indifferent. I got to this point after handing everything over to God.

Initially, I was sad about it. You see, I’m coming from a Nigerian varsity that was plagued with a series of strikes. I spent 7 years in school for a 5-year program due to incessant strikes. I had issues in my final year coupled with, one-year depression from my academics making 8years.

A little background story; The year is late 2017 and we just returned from a 6 months’ strike. I was in my final year and we were being rushed. Lecturers weren’t coming to class but setting tests.

I was a 2.1 student. I, wrote a test (taxation law) and performed poorly. That was the genesis of my depressive journey. I ended up retaking a course (jurisprudence) after graduation. So, I left school with a 2.2(3.49).

I saw a therapist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba.in “Yabaleft”, and I got better.

From my history, you’ll realise that I’ve faced delays so coming here and realising what the impact of Covid would be on my journey took me aback. I used to think that by now I’d be done with school. I got admitted to school at 17, by August, I’ll be 25 and, I’m still pursuing my first degree.

To not think of this, indifference has been my coping mechanism. What will be will be at the end of the day.

What does home feel like for you?

All my siblings are married so I’m the only one at home with my parents. It’s been a solo stay, with my parents always dishing out new preventive measures to ward off the virus. All these, were obtained from tons of WhatsApp BC’s.

I’m majorly just reading, sleeping, baking, tweeting and eating.

My parents are aged. They’re pensioners so financially, they weren’t hit per say.

Doing chores, how has that been for you?

We have a domestic staff so I help out. She’s enrolled in a fashion school within our neighborhood so I run the chores in her absence. She resumes when she comes back. There’s really not so many chores at home; just dishes, sweeping, mopping and running errands or purchases.

Money issue; Do you have to rely on your parents for money?

Yea, I do. I don’t make so much from my business at the moment. I run a small pastry business as a side hustle.

How does it feel to have to rely on your parents for everything?

I don’t like the feeling of not being independent. Plus, I need to check in on items with my parents before getting them. If it doesn’t sit well with them, I’d have to let go.

How are you managing expectations of being at home, especially with parents and not doing anything?

My hands are tied right now and fortunately my parents don’t hound me about it. So, I just take one day at a time.

I apply indifference.

This helps me not to see myself as a victim of life’s vicissitudes. Things happen, It’s life. I just do what I can per day, divested of economic activities.

How does it feel to be home without knowing when you’ll leave?

It’s frustrating but understanding that with life comes uncertainties would help one navigate through. So now I just live in the moment. Every day is a new day; I don’t keep count anymore.

How has this affected your business?

It’s affected logistics which has in turn affected sales. If I can’t pull through with deliveries, I can’t make sales which in turn affects my finances. Plus the cost of products in the market has skyrocketed and customers won’t really understand. I also can’t reduce quality or else it’ll affect patronage. To keep quality, I’ll need to adjust prices a bit, but then, it’ll drive away customers’ so it’s a tango. I’ve retained quality for the same price for the deliveries I’ve done thus far, but I’m only short changing myself.

Honestly, what do you think about the survival of your business if this doesn’t end soon?

Oh well! If I don’t re- strategize, I may have to suspend activities till I can come up with a pragmatic solution. The issue majorly stems from the fact that I operate solo. I, have no walk-in-store, and I have no personal mobility for delivery. However, I don’t think my business will die. I may suspend activities, but it won’t die.

How do you feel about lack of support from the government?

The systemic failings of successive Nigerian governments have taught me not to have expectations from them. It’s disappointing but it’s not surprising.

It’s a caucus of political juggernauts supporting their own. Reshuffling the same cards in the political circle so the status quo remains the same. The government has failed us. It almost feels like I have internalised the govt’s failings as their tradition so I don’t even get mad or angry again.

 I’m aloof now.

If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.

Interview carried out by our awesome Covid Interview team-(Halima, Asma, Tosin and Jeniffer.)

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