Loren Q. Chang | Kelvin Clien L. Madchalang | Camilyn Joyce A. Rosal
School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts
ABSTRACT
Being infected with COVID-19 has many effects that range from physiological, psychological, and social consequences. This study attempted to unravel the lived experiences of COVID-19 survivors by focusing on the changes, the challenges, and their activities by adapting a qualitative-phenomenological approach and utilizing thematic analysis. A semi-structured interview questionnaire was used to gather the experiences of the COVID-19 survivors. Five themes emerged that summarized the experiences of the subjects; Deciding to self-withdraw, assuring oneself amid symptoms and worries, dealing with thoughts, redirecting life, and experiencing limitations. The respondents were able to describe the changes in their health practices, spirituality, and involvement in other’s lives. Three phases of reaction also occurred; emotion-reaction, contemplation, and action phase while COVID-19 recovery occurred in three aspects; physical, psychological, and social. However, the respondents still experience lingering symptoms that limit their physical activities and restrictions motivated by the fear of the reaction of other people. The respondents still experience discrimination from other people including COVID-19 deniers. The findings of this study were consistent with existing frameworks and literature about the topic. These themes, alongside the recovery processes and reaction phases, are precedents to a principal experience of having one’s life redirected. Recommendations are given to stakeholders at the end of the paper such as maintaining communications and doing light activities to help patients focus on their recovery amid their struggles.
Keywords: COVID-19 survivor, recovery, the meaning of life, grief, post-traumatic growth
