How Do You Make The Best Of A Terrible Situation?
Why I Decided To Write It’s All In My Head
This is me, in a ton of makeup and lashes, faking it until I make it (back to health, that is, fingers crossed).
Hi, I’m Reda.
You might know me from my murder mystery newsletter, Only Murders In The Inbox. Mysteries and crime fiction have always been my favorite escape. On the one year anniversary of creating OMITI, I’ve made a bigger decision: I’m writing my memoir of my chronic illness and documenting my life, inch by inch, as I claw my way out of this hole called Long Covid. I’m trying to find my way back to my life, or to a different but better version of it, and I’m inviting you to come along with me. It’s a long story, and one I’m publishing on Substack first.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. At times, It’s All In My Head will be hard to read. The majority of the world doesn’t want to think about the pandemic anymore, while a minority of us wish we could think about anything but. This is a painful, horrible story, that’s also sad, meaningful and sometimes even funny. I’m still in it, living through it, trying to make sense of how this has happened and how to get out. I don’t have all of the answers, but come with me as I ask the questions.
If You Have Long Covid Or Know Someone Who Does, This Is Your Space.
You might not think you know someone who has Long Covid, but the odds are high you do. If you’re sick or know someone who is, It’s All In My Head is a place to come for support. I’m here to hold your hand so we can get through this together. There’s no medical advice or news here; there’s what’s worked for me personally and what hasn’t, and ways to find the courage to keep going when bad things happen.
If You’re Trying To Find A Way To Live Through Something Difficult, I’m Here For You.
You might have a different type of chronic illness. You might have lost someone you loved recently and you’re barely hanging on. You might be suffering from a mental illness and just want to read that someone else understands. That’s what It’s All In My Head is about.
You don’t ever want to think the day will come when you’ll take a photo of your wheelchair by the Pacific Ocean…but then it comes, anyway.
Hey Reda - I’m so sorry to hear that you’re struggling with Long Covid - but I’m glad that you will be writing about your experiences. It’s important that people understand what these types of chronic energy limiting illnesses can do to someone. It’s the best way for people to learn the value of protecting their health AND how they can best support someone who’s chronically ill.
I use writing as a way to cope with horrible situations in my life. I tell my stories in the hopes they will help others - and by telling them I also find a small way to heal and process trauma for myself 💜
Yes chronic illness is hard and difficult to read about, but speaking as someone with LC's elder sibling it's really important that our stories are told. I'm here for the moral support, and gorgeous pictures of mobility aids.