Rosa’s story: juggling chronic illness during Covid-19 lockdown
Rosa needed emotional support when she became very low due to the impact of the pandemic on her life and work.
Your stories / 2 mins read
![](/media/0qij13qw/1-es-anxiety-breathing-3841x2160.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=1200&height=678&rnd=132841389452270000&anchor=center&mode=crop)
I first came to the UK from Peru in 1980, with her then husband. After getting divorced I trained to be a teacher. I juggled my love of teaching with other jobs and being a single parent.
I have been teaching for 26 years, first teaching Spanish to early years children in a primary school. Later I taught adults at evening classes whilst also working as a carer.
Ten years ago, whilst working as a carer, I suffered an injury to my lower back. I now have a long-term back condition and work from home.
When my problems started my doctor told me I had osteoarthritis but saw my pain as quite ordinary. It became more and more painful and hard to manage. I even ended up going to A&E last year as it was so bad.
Before the first lock-down, I began treatment at a pain clinic. This had to be put on hold as the we went into lockdown.
Since then I have been trying to look after myself as best I can. I’m usually positive but the pandemic has made me feel very low, very depressed and not able to do anything. As a tutor at home my regular student stopped coming because of Covid-19. I have much less income.
They listened to how I felt, to my feelings and that really helped. She made me think about why I am useful and helped me feel more positive about my situation.
I found the number for the Education Support helpline and spoke to one of your counsellors. They listened to how I felt and that really helped. She made me think about why I am useful and helped me feel more positive about my situation.
I also received a grant of £250 which has really helped with her bills given her reduced income.
![](/media/cijicalv/2-es-anxiety-restless-3841x2160.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=1200&height=678&rnd=132841389757670000&anchor=center&mode=crop)
Don’t wait for a crisis to call.
We’ll offer you immediate, confidential support including advice, counselling or coaching.
08000 562 561
![](/media/0r0do5lf/33-es-services-helpine-3841x2160.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=645&height=485&rnd=132841410924470000&anchor=center&mode=crop)
Our confidential grants service is here to help you manage money worries.
Everyone occasionally needs help. Our friendly, experienced team is here to support you.
![](/media/b1ybt20g/35-es-services-grants-3841x2160.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=645&height=485&rnd=132841411158800000&anchor=center&mode=crop)
![](/media/sidncdxc/_bak1995.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=690&height=520&rnd=132841437346000000&anchor=center&mode=crop)