Introduction

In a heartfelt Instagram video on October 28, actor Matt McGorry, famous for his roles in "Orange Is the New Black" and "How to Get Away With Murder," bravely opened up about his ongoing battle with long Covid. "This is definitely the most vulnerable thing I've ever shared," he admitted, revealing that his journey of recovery has not been straightforward.

Impact of Long Covid

After facing two Covid infections, McGorry disclosed that he had "never fully recovered," leading to a dramatic change in his life. Struggling with symptoms such as debilitating fatigue, depression, dysautonomia, and cognitive issues he whimsically referred to as "a cute little name for brain damage," he described a life altered irrevocably. The actor lamented the loss of activities he once cherished, including exercise, hiking, and even enjoying a good book.

Advocacy and Urgency for Covid Precautions

In a subsequent video in early November, McGorry urged viewers to take Covid safety precautions seriously, insisting that actions speak louder than words when it comes to empathy. "Having to still think about Covid fucking sucks. Trust me, I get it," he expressed, advocating for the necessity of wearing masks in essential locations like pharmacies and healthcare facilities. His raw honesty shines a light on the vast number of people—estimated at 400 million worldwide—who are grappling with long Covid, a condition that remains largely under-diagnosed and misunderstood.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Workplace Discrimination

Diagnosing long Covid can be difficult, as many still harbor misconceptions about its effects and symptoms, which can lead to discrimination, especially in the workplace. McGorry hesitated to share his illness publicly due to fears about how it might affect his career. "It’s incredibly dehumanizing and exhausting," he noted, highlighting the burden disabled individuals often bear when advocating for their rights and needs.

Learning from Disabled Individuals

Speaking in an interview in mid-November, McGorry shared his desire for able-bodied people to learn from disabled individuals, emphasizing the critical importance of disability justice and social inclusion. He recommended insightful reads on the subject such as Alice Wong's *Disability Intimacy* and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha's *Care Work and The Future Is Disabled*.

Confronting the Reality of Health Decline

Reflecting on the onset of his long Covid symptoms, he divulged, "The first time I got Covid was 11 days after my dad passed away." He initially attributed his fatigue and brain fog to grief, finding it challenging to accept the reality of his health decline. "I was in denial about it," he confessed, acknowledging that confronting this reality was essential for his journey toward improvement.

The Healthcare System and Proactive Health Management

McGorry's candidness about his experiences extends to conversations about health care and support systems. He has found that many doctors, constrained by time, may not fully understand the complexities faced by patients with long Covid. This led him to be proactive about his health—reading studies, maintaining a health journal, and engaging with community resources that discuss experiences and remedies for long Covid.

Adapting Perceptions of Health and Wellness

Adapting to life with chronic illness has significantly shifted his perception of health and wellness. Having been a competitive trainer and bodybuilder, he admitted that his understanding of health was once solely about physical capability. However, recognizing the societal dynamics surrounding health has led him to critique the focus on thinness and desirability, urging a shift towards emphasizing systemic issues like poverty and access to care.

Ongoing Challenges and Health Safeguards

With ongoing challenges of fatigue and cognitive dysfunction, McGorry's dedication to health risk mitigation is clear. His regimen now includes wearing high-quality respirators and using HEPA filters to help safeguard his health. He emphasizes the importance of vaccinations and being proactive in avoiding further infections, which can worsen long Covid symptoms.

A Call for Empathy and Action

Matt McGorry's transparency serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by those with long Covid and highlights the urgent need for collective action and understanding. He calls upon individuals, communities, and organizations to foster a culture of solidarity with the disabled and immunocompromised. "My asks are very simply masking in places where disabled and immunocompromised people have to be," he stated, stressing the importance of creating safer environments in public spaces.

Conclusion

As he navigates this complex journey, McGorry emerges not only as an advocate for himself but also as a beacon of hope for others affected by long Covid, inspiring change through awareness and empathy.