Whole Health Helps Patient Recover From Long Haul COVID

Like any other adult, Tim Barr of Kent, Ohio experienced the usual stressors of life, especially in his job as a police officer. But his life got even more difficult in the summer of 2020 when he contracted COVID. The disease lingered for months, morphing into long haul COVID, which included such physical symptoms as extreme fatigue and mental effects like brain fog and depression.

“All of my symptoms were difficult, but for me the depression was the worst part,” said Tim. “It wasn’t like anything I had experienced before in my life, and I really needed some help with how to deal with it.”

Seeking relief, Tim turned to the University Hospitals COVID Recovery Clinic, which helped to address his issues. As part of his whole person care, he was also referred to UH Connor Whole Health in March 2021.

UH Connor Whole Health empowers and equips people to take charge of their physical, mental and spiritual health to live a full and meaningful life. Credentialed experts use evidence-based therapies and lifestyle approaches to help patients achieve optimal health and healing.

“I love that at UH Connor, they take a whole-body approach,” said Tim. They’re not just addressing the individual symptoms. For my mental health, we began with a focus on being kind to myself and giving myself grace. Then, physically, we just said I’d do five minutes of physical activity a day. When you complete it, you feel good about yourself, which boosts your mood. It all works together. Then, I’d move on to 10 minutes a day, and so forth.”

Tim has seen three providers at UH Connor, including Whole Health & Well-Being Coach Crystal Evans.

“It’s been really incredible to work with Tim because he is so motivated to feel better,” said Crystal. “He has learned to grant himself grace, and doesn’t let a setback stop him from picking up again. A huge part of what we do together is to utilize his strength in setting goals and tracking his habits, which has worked very well for him.”

Together, Crystal and Tim plan ways for him to incorporate movement, strength training and healthy eating into his routine. Tim keeps a simple habit tracker on his refrigerator where he checks off each of his habit goals as he does them. He found this helps to keep him motivated and accountable.

Another habit supporting Tim’s mental health is his gratitude journal. He writes down the things for which he is thankful and proud every single day.

“A lot of life is how you think about things and setting yourself up for success,” he said.

Tim, now 50, has faced setbacks along the way, including contracting COVID a second time. He still experiences some physical and mental symptoms, but says his life overall is more manageable, and he feels better physically and mentally because of his treatment at UH Connor.

“What worked for Tim and countless others is initially taking one small step at a time, focusing on what is easy and doable, before adding more,” said Crystal. “Over time, these new small habits become consistent and sustainable, now a part of your lifestyle. Nutrition, movement, sleep and mental health are all intertwined.”

“Connor probably saved my life through my COVID recovery, honestly,” said Tim. “I learned that every day is a good day for Day One. You might have setbacks, you might lose a month, but you can always start over. I’m grateful for the confidence that I can handle whatever the future may bring.”