In this fascinating conversation, I’m joined by the wonderful Dr. Carolyn Forsyth — a GP and former A&E doctor from the Highlands of Scotland, whose own experience with Long Covid completely transformed her understanding of chronic illness. Watch as we discuss (among other things) what doctors aren’t taught about chronic illness and recovery.
You can watch our full conversation in the video above.
But even if you don’t have time to watch it, I want to share some of the most powerful lessons from Carolyn’s story with you — because they could make a real difference to your recovery journey.
What You’ll Get From the Video
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An honest insider view of why the traditional medical system struggles with conditions like Long Covid, CFS, ME and POTS.
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Real hope: Carolyn’s experience proves that healing and huge life changes are possible — even if it doesn’t feel like it at first.
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Validation: You are not imagining your symptoms. You are not making it up. And you are not alone.
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Actionable ideas for steps you can take right now to support your own recovery, whether you have medical support or not.
The 5 Big Lessons From Carolyn’s Story
1. If your doctor doesn’t understand, it’s not your fault
Carolyn explained that most doctors are simply not taught about chronic illnesses that don’t fit into neat textbook definitions. Symptoms that can’t be “seen” or measured are often dismissed — not because doctors are uncaring, but because they feel helpless and fall back on outdated attitudes.
If this happens to you, remember: your experience is real. You deserve to be listened to. If necessary, change your doctor.
2. Stress and life circumstances matter — even if no one asks you about them.
Before getting sick, Carolyn’s life looked great from the outside. Inside, though, she was stressed, overworked, not eating properly, and stuck in unhealthy patterns.
Your body’s environment matters. Start looking gently at what might be holding you under water. Tiny changes towards self-care and safety can help.
3. True healing starts when you prioritise yourself.
Carolyn’s real shift began when she stepped away from the toxic parts of her life — her job, her relationship, her unrealistic pressures — and committed to caring for herself.
You don’t need to change everything overnight. But you can start with one tiny act of self-prioritisation today.
4. The body and nervous system need a new kind of support.
It wasn’t medication that helped Carolyn most. It was being in nature, growing vegetables, building strength gently, and using practices like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT tapping) to regulate her nervous system.
Think beyond prescriptions. Movement, nature, joy, rest, and emotional healing are powerful tools for recovery.
5. There is hope — and real change is coming.
Carolyn now works with the NHS Long Covid Recovery Service in Scotland, bringing empathy, holistic care, and hope to patients who once might have been dismissed. There’s a growing movement of doctors waking up to the need for a new approach.
Recovery is possible. And even if it’s slow, you are moving forward.
Practical Steps You Can Take Right Now
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Prioritise your own needs every day, even in the smallest ways.
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Connect with community — join a support group or safe space where you feel seen and understood.
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Explore nervous system support: gentle yoga, breathwork, and nature time can all help.
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Protect your hope: If your current doctor or support system isn’t validating your experience, it’s okay to seek out someone new.
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Focus on joy — even tiny moments matter. Joy helps heal your nervous system.
If you’d like a safe, understanding community to help you rest, repair and recover, you’re warmly invited to join us inside The Rest Repair Recover programme.
Just know: Wherever you are right now, you’re not alone — and you are not broken.