American television writer Heidi Ferrer came down with Covid-19 in 2020 and never fully recovered. Long Covid left her in debilitating pain and suffering from severe neurological tremors that made it impossible for her to sleep and walk. She took her own life in May 2021 at age 50. Nearly 150 million people worldwide are estimated to have developed long Covid during the first two years of the pandemic, according to the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Symptoms range from extreme fatigue and brain fog to shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, headaches, pain and limited mobility.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.
