04/06/2026
I recently joined Dr Audrey Tang and Judith Crosier for another episode of Mental Health Matters from Wellbeing Media Studio, this time focusing on Long Covid.
👉 Click link to listen to the episode
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2051682/episodes/19089353
So much is still misunderstood about Long Covid and how it impacts people and because the effects are not always visible, this can trigger shaming behaviours from those who don’t understand. Looking beyond the headlines we unpack the 3D reality of post‑viral illness, identity, and healing. Here are some of the key points we discuss:
Long COVID as a post‑viral condition
We explore Long COVID as part of a wider family of post‑viral illnesses like ME/CFS, and how trauma, culture, gender and class all shape whose suffering is seen and believed.
Why pain and fatigue need a 3D lens
We explain the 3D lens of BioPsychoSocial (Biology - Psychology - Social Context) approach and how it helps us to consider the reality of living with pain, fatigue and how those experiences are affected by context. This means treating each person’s “configuration” as unique.
Five types of tired (and why sleep isn’t always the answer)
I describe the five distinct kinds of tired—physical, wired‑and‑tired, emotional, environmental and repetitive—and share how each calls for a different response, from movement to sensory rest to emotional processing.
Identity, grief and trusting the body again
We talk about how Long COVID can shatter identities built on work and doing, the grief that follows, and practical ways to rebuild health and emotional literacy as well as a more compassionate relationship with the body.
Advocacy, boundaries and “Is it helpful?”
From navigating gendered healthcare biases and brain fog to setting boundaries with friends and family, I share grounded strategies for self‑advocacy—guided by one simple question: “Is it helpful?"
As you may heard me share before, I'm first and foremost a Health Activist so opportunities to speak with experts like Dr Audrey and Judith feel precious as well as playful and informative. I'm grateful for this opportunity to share what I've learnt through clinical practice as well as training and research with them and with you.
IMAGE DESCRIPTION
Square purple graphic for a show titled “Mental Health Matters,” featuring a head silhouette with heart and brain icons. Three portraits show expert hosts Dr Audrey Tang and Judith Crosier and guest Thor A Rain. Text reads: “Expert-Led Mental Health Conversation. Thursday 28th May. On this episode: Long Covid.” Logos for Wellbeing Media, several awards, and icons for YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms appear around the edges.
