Some days, depression and frustration just take over. Living with post-viral syndrome isn’t easy—anywhere. But here in the Netherlands, the unique challenges stand out. On the surface, it seems ideal: a well-organized healthcare system and strong social support. Yet navigating something as complex as post-viral recovery reveals the cracks.
Add electro-sensitivity into the mix, and the challenges multiply. Healing from Epstein-Barr is hard enough, but being sensitive to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in a tech-driven world can feel overwhelming. Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, 5G towers—it’s like living in a maze of triggers.
And then there’s the fatigue—the most mysterious symptom of all. It’s not just feeling “tired”; it’s unpredictable, all-consuming, and invisible. Some days, even simple tasks feel impossible. Fatigue isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual, all at once. Just when you think you’ve cracked the code with better sleep or less stress, it finds a way to creep back in.
The Healthcare Puzzle
The Dutch healthcare system, while excellent in many ways, isn’t exactly built for nuance. Post-viral conditions often go unrecognized, leaving many of us stuck in an exhausting cycle of explaining, advocating, and endlessly waiting. Long queues for specialists, convincing doctors it’s “not all in your head,” or being handed generic advice like “try yoga” make the journey feel like an uphill marathon—in a storm.
For real progress, alternative healthcare must work hand-in-hand with conventional medicine. Yet this synergy is often overlooked. A glaring example? Long Covid care, once included in the basic healthcare package, has vanished, as if the condition itself disappeared. But post-viral illness has existed for decades—and it’s only getting worse. The Epstein-Barr virus we face today isn’t the same as it was in the ’80s, and when you factor in today’s overwhelming electromagnetic fields, it’s a perfect storm.
Despite this, the term “post-viral” barely holds weight. Long Covid gained recognition, but other post-viral conditions still linger in the shadows. After a year, I’ve yet to receive proper supervision from regular healthcare.
This story? It’s far from over.
Cultural Barriers
Then there’s the cultural factor. The Dutch are known for their practical, no-nonsense attitude. Normally, I love that. But when you’re post-viral and trying to heal from something as unpredictable as Epstein-Barr, the societal “just get on with it” mindset can feel like an extra weight on already-exhausted shoulders. People mean well, but the expectation to keep pushing through doesn’t leave room for the ebb and flow of recovery.
Living in the In-Between
One of the hardest things about being post-viral is living in that liminal space between illness and health. You’re not “sick” in the way people expect, but you’re far from fully recovered. Most days, I look like myself—sometimes even like someone who’s been crushing it at the gym. But the storm inside me is invisible and relentless. It’s a constant dance of balancing energy, avoiding overstimulation, and listening to my body’s whispers before they turn into screams.
Explaining this to my family has been one of the biggest challenges, and sadly, it’s made my circle of support smaller than I’d hoped. On those tough days, I turn to self-compassion. It’s not about avoiding negative feelings but about recognizing that I’m suffering and meeting that pain with kindness. In doing so, I ease the burden, even if just a little.
Turning Struggles Into Strength
But here’s the thing: struggle shapes strength. Living through this experience teaches resilience in ways I didn’t think possible. It teaches me to advocate for myself, to slow down, to savor small wins, and to reimagine what healing looks like. And for me, it’s about more than just surviving—I want to thrive.
That’s why I’m turning my post-viral journey into a mission. Through my blog and Instagram, I’m raising awareness for people like me who often feel invisible in their struggles. I’m sharing my wins, my challenges, and my healing habits to inspire others and show them they’re not alone.
Healing Is Not a Straight Line
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that healing is never a straight line. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often feels like two steps forward, one step back. And that’s okay.
Along the way, external factors often become major obstacles, but they also offer valuable lessons. You’re forced to face them head-on—whether you have the energy or not—and in doing so, you learn how to navigate life moving forward. It teaches you how to protect that precious space you’re creating for yourself, with healthy boundaries to preserve it.
Whether it’s grounding in nature, practicing box breathing, or simply celebrating the fact that I made it through a workday, I remind myself daily: progress is progress, no matter how small.
So yes, being post-viral in the Netherlands is tough. But it’s also an opportunity to grow, to connect, and to inspire. And for that, I’m grateful.
Creating a Healing Space
The truth is, healing when you’re electro-sensitive means going the extra mile to create a safe space. It’s about turning off Wi-Fi when you can, investing in EMF protection, and being mindful of how much time you spend around devices. While it may seem extreme to some, it’s a non-negotiable for us.
And the irony? All these extra precautions and lifestyle changes can be isolating—even lonely. But they’ve also taught me the value of slowing down and tuning in to what my body truly needs. This lesson has been a game-changer in my healing journey.
For me, it meant getting EMF protection from Aires. My nervous system is incredibly sensitive, and the calmness I’ve experienced since using their products is unreal. It’s given me a brighter outlook on my future. If you’re interested in trying them out, you can use my discount code TANISTATES for 25% off your purchase.
Do you struggle with post-viral symptoms or chronic illness? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or reach out to me on Instagram at Tanistates—I’d love to hear your story. Let’s build a space where we can share, support, and heal together.
Join the Vibe!
I love seeing how my posts resonate with your personal journey—whether it’s EMF awareness, healing habits, or finding joy in life’s quieter moments. If something I shared inspired you, tag me on Instagram @Tanistates so I can cheer you on and maybe even share your story in return.
P.S. Curious to explore EMF protection tools? I’ve partnered with AiresTech to offer 25% off with the code TANISTATES—because protecting your energy field is part of the vibe. 🌐✨
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