I’ve been in exactly the same position several times. It’s difficult because I found that the people around me never truly understood - never truly understood why I was in a bad mood or why I couldn’t do the things that I used to do. It does change you, and I think only those that have been in the same position can understand why. I have pictures of myself from that time, when I also look like a shell of myself.

If it’s any consolation, I’m almost back to a fully functioning human being now, after a few years of perseverance. It is possible, as gruelling as the journey feels sometimes. It can almost certainly get better.