After being very ill, it may take up to 18 months for you to fully recover. Being weak and having to put a lot of effort into doing simple things, such as getting dressed and moving about, can make you feel low for a while. You may also feel like you’ve lost your ability to take care of yourself (independence) if you need a lot of help from other people at this early stage.
When to call the doctor
Call or talk to your family doctor if you:
- need more support
- have symptoms that you’re worried about
- have questions about anything to do with your health
Your mood may change often and you may feel:
- upset and tearful
- tired, not being able to sleep properly
- like you don’t care what you look like
- quick-tempered and snappy
You may also feel:
- guilty for causing so much trouble and worry
- like you don’t understand what has happened to you and how ill you’ve been
- scared that you almost died
- worried about getting ill again
- worried about how long it’s taking to recover
As you get better and start doing more, you’ll face new challenges. They can make you feel scared – try to keep calm and take slow, deep breaths. You may find that feelings or reactions may be triggered by a sound, smell, or something you see. These reactions usually disappear over time.
