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‘I Must Be Grateful To COVID-19’: Maltese Family Therapist Gives Words Of Courage After Testing Positive

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A Maltese family psychotherapist and former journalist has opened up about his experience testing positive for COVID-19, saying he wants to combat the fear and stigma surrounding people in his situation and worse.

Karl Wright tested positive for the coronavirus last week when he and his colleagues at the Gozo branch of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services were swabbed.

He remains asymptomatic and is being kept in isolation at a flat, courtesy of his employer, where he has had ample time to reflect on his situation and life in general.

“I don’t want to reinforce fear, but to give courage to people in my situation or in a situation worse than my own and those who are scared they will get infected. Fear can be overcome by courage and hope,” he wrote.

“I don’t want to reinforce stigma, let’s leave brands for clothes. Being judged can be extremely damaging, and stigma can be overcome by hope, open and frank dialogue and education.”

In a blogpost, Karl said he wants to use this period of isolation as a time to heal psychologically and to help others cope in a therapeutic manner.

“I have to be grateful to Covid19. Sounds bad. But, yes, this is a case of looking at a challenge with a different lens, making an opportunity out of it,” he said.

“My thoughts are with all those Covid-19 positive patients, particularly those who, unlike me, have symptoms and feel sick. My thoughts are also with those living by themselves, feeling sad, lonely and depressed or abandoned. I am with you.”

“My thoughts are also with those who are suffering in silence, missing loved ones, including their spouses or their own children. I am with you.”

“My thoughts are with those who are living in fear. Fear from contracting the virus. Fear from public places. Fear from meeting others. Fear from people’s judgements. I am with you too.”

Tag someone who needs to read Karl’s words of courage

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Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]

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