A host of lingering symptoms of COVID-19 infection, Long COVID, continues to plague many patients and confound physicians. Those folks who experience persistent problems beyond a month of their initial COVID infection are considered to have Long COVID. It has been estimated that around 20% of people will experience this after their initial COVID infection. That translates to well over 100,000, people in Oregon with Long COVID.
There are many diverse symptoms of Long COVID; profound fatigue, brain fog, mood disorders, breathing challenges, cardiac problems, chronic pain, and much more. These can come and go unpredictably, they may may be few or many at a time, and recovery may come in weeks or may even last years. Many of the emotional difficulties of long COVOD are a consequence of the overwhelm with the diversity and persistence of symptoms and the resulting personal isolation. Knowledgeable physicians now caution patients to pace themselves and not to push physically or mentally.
Oregon has a Long COVID Clinic at OHSU though access to that program may be delayed because of increasing demand.

This free online evening will offer simple forms of support:
1. Sharing time with others challenged by Long-COVID thereby softening the sharp edges of isolation.
2. Sharing helpful resources among those who attend.
3. Gentle, guided progressive relaxation exercise.
4. Mindful guided stillness with proven benefits for sleep, relaxation, mental clarity, breathing, and improved mood.
5. Reclined, very gentle movement.

This is not medical advice or treatment but an open forum to be able to gather and confer with one another and offer relevant support.