It’s been three months since I’ve had COVID and the thing I’m still dealing with is the changes to my menstrual cycle. I’ve noticed these changes since the month of January but I never thought that COVID could’ve been a factor until now. Usually small changes are normal but when these changes continued to occur that’s when I started to worry. After some research it’s fairly evident that COVID has changed my cycle in length, intensity of symptoms and even the flow. For me seeing so many women reporting the same issues or noticing the same changes caused my anxiety to spike just a little. I think the thing that has gotten me with this virus the most since the beginning is the unknown. No one can say for sure how this virus affects our bodies especially long term. It seems to be different from person to person and I think a lot of that contributes to why there’s still so much to learn about the virus. Along with these lingering changes I’m finding that as those around me seem more relaxed about COVID that also triggers my anxiety. I’m at a point where I hear of others getting it twice and I certainly do not want to go through that experience again. The experience was terrible enough the first time and I wouldn’t hold my breath at a second infection being any better than the first if not worst. I’m not sure if having experienced it is the reason why I still don’t take it lightly but it’s hard communicating my concerns because they’re so easily dismissed. There’s a sense of feeling that those around me feel that because a year has passed and they’re fine still not adhering to recommended guidelines they don’t need to take it seriously. I know that everyone is entitled to their own feelings about this pandemic and the vaccinations in general but it’s difficult to not feel betrayed by the lack of concern when it is people as close as family and friends. I think the safest thing for me personally is to keep my bubble small and be mindful of who I allow around me in that sense. I don’t think I’m living in fear at this point because I’m a lot more social this year than I was last year this time but I just think that it’s best for me to continue doing what I’m doing to avoid a second infection as much as possible.