COVID, Five Years On: Lessons and Life’s Transformation

 Looking back at the past five years, it’s hard to overstate the impact COVID-19 had on all of us. For me, the pandemic wasn’t just a global crisis; it was a turning point in my personal and professional life.

Before the world shut down, I had already embarked on a late-blooming journey into psychology. Having returned to academia at an age many consider "mature," I was studying for my bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology. My days were filled with lectures, assignments, and the ever-present challenge of balancing academic life with personal responsibilities. But when COVID-19 hit, everything changed.

Suddenly, the world became smaller and quieter. The bustling classrooms turned into online meeting rooms, and the physical connections we once took for granted dissolved into digital interactions. It was during these moments of isolation and introspection that I truly began to understand the profound role psychology plays in human resilience.

The pandemic amplified mental health struggles worldwide. Anxiety, grief, and uncertainty became universal experiences, and I realized just how essential my work could be in helping others navigate these challenges. Motivated by this newfound clarity, I completed my bachelor’s degree and immediately dove into a master’s program in psychology. It wasn’t just about advancing my education; it was about preparing myself to meet the growing need for mental health support.

Throughout this time, I also deepened my practice in complementary therapies like clinical hypnotherapy, EFT, and EMDR. These tools became invaluable as I began counseling clients virtually, helping them cope with the unique challenges the pandemic presented. In London, where I worked as a self-employed counselor, I witnessed firsthand how fear, isolation, and uncertainty could transform lives—but also how compassion, empathy, and guidance could heal.

COVID didn’t just alter my professional life; it reshaped my personal aspirations. It gave me the courage to write and publish my first book, “The Evolution of Psychology from Antiquity to Today.” The pandemic had shown me that knowledge could be a powerful anchor during turbulent times, and I wanted to share that anchor with others.

Now, five years on, as I reside in Torino, Italy, I reflect on the lessons COVID taught me: the importance of adaptability, the power of human connection, and the resilience that lies within each of us. My experiences during the pandemic have also steered me toward new paths, such as blending psychology with human resources to create healthier, more supportive workplaces.

I’ve also turned my passion for sharing psychological insights into a blog, “Journeys in Dialogue with Psychology.” This project is my way of continuing the conversations the pandemic started—conversations about mental health, self-awareness, and the shared human experience.

For me, the pandemic was more than a moment in history; it was a catalyst for growth and a reminder of why I chose psychology in the first place: to help, to heal, and to inspire. Five years later, I carry those lessons with me every day, not just as a professional but as a person committed to making the world a little better—one conversation, one client, one connection at a time.