The True Recovery
by Jan Scott, Associate Pastor, Pastoral Care
As our nation emerges from COVID-19 restrictions, medical studies are underway with COVID survivors and their long-term recovery. What was so encouraging during some of the darkest days of the pandemic was the image of triumphant survivors being dismissed from a hospital, the cheering staff as they wheeled the patient out the building’s entrance and the welcoming and grateful family and friends there to receive them. But studies of these survivors are revealing something which may occur likewise after other personal injuries or illnesses---depression following recovery.
These COVID survivors are displaying an event which in some cases may be overlooked or misunderstood; that is, recovery to wholeness is a process of becoming whole again. Just because one may be “healed” or “time enough has passed” it is not the end, but another beginning toward recovery.
Given a new lease on life, when one would think relief and happiness should be the response, the aftermath from life-threatening events can be depression. The trauma experienced by illness, injury, death or tragedy can have long-lasting consequences which are never resolved quickly.
Discuss any symptoms of depression with loved ones and rely on trusted and skilled medical caregivers. Practice patience with those who are recovering from life-changing events. Lend a listening ear or provide quiet and consistent encouragement for those who may still be undertaking the long road of restoration.
A lasting help will be compassion and accompaniment displayed for the days ahead. Whether from COVID-19 or from all the many other ways we experience loss, a slow healing to wholeness will be the true recovery.