Reflecting on her life three years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Amrita experienced profound changes and challenges. From social anxiety to adapting to a new world, she shares her journey and the importance of hope and connection in this edition of Feelings Express. 

Stuck in the pandemic void 

Three years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and my life changed in ways I never expected. It was a time when everything felt uncertain, and my family became my anchor amidst the chaos. The pandemic served as a stark reminder that life is fragile, and nothing is set in stone.

While others were eager to return to their pre-pandemic routines, I found myself trapped in a void of self-doubt and emptiness. Despite the reopening of schools and the rekindling of friendships, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something within me had shifted. I longed for the familiarity of my old life but couldn’t find my place in this new reality.

Struggling to adapt 

Adapting to post-pandemic life was more challenging than I expected. Social anxiety, which had already been a part of my life, intensified during months of isolation. Suddenly, I was thrust into a world filled with people, pretending that everything was back to normal. There was no gradual transition, just an abrupt return to the way things were.

The pandemic taught me invaluable lessons, but it also left me with unresolved emotions. I had to adapt quickly to a world that had changed completely, while people clung to memories of the past. It felt like I was the only one struggling to reconcile these conflicting realities.

Embracing change

I’ve come to realize that I can’t return to who I was before the pandemic. I’ve changed, and my perspective on life has shifted. What once seemed daunting now appears trivial, and things I took for granted are now challenging. But I’ve also discovered the power of sharing my thoughts and challenges with trusted loved ones.

Spending time with family and friends, engaging in meaningful conversations, and stepping out of my comfort zone have been essential for my recovery. I’ve learned that I don’t have to revert to my old self to feel normal again. Instead, I embrace the new opportunities and possibilities in this changed world.

Living for hope

During the pandemic, hope was a common thread that connected us all. We hoped for better days, the safety and health of our loved ones, and a world free from the pandemic’s grip. While life may never return to what it was, hope continues to drive us forward, reminding us that there is strength in resilience and the promise of a brighter future.

Names have been changed. This article has been authored by a member of our TeenBook Advisory Board (TAB). To learn more about what TAB is and how to join, please click here.