Global Burden: The Human Experience Hidden Behind Covid-19 is a work of non-fiction concerning social issues around medical matters, and it was penned and compiled by author Lisa Jo Symonds, with a series of featured authors who also have stories to tell. Focusing in particular on mental health and social adjustment during the time of the current coronavirus pandemic, the collection seeks to highlight the individual experiences and difficulties which people face rather than the statistical nationwide impacts reported by the news. With violent incidents in the home on the rise alongside growing issues of depression, isolation, and uncertainty, the work aims to lift the lid on real experiences and show others that they are not alone in how they feel.

Author Lisa Jo Symonds has brought together a collection of truly talented voices to make a very important point about solidarity and the human experience during this very trying time. I, for one, was comforted to know that others felt the same panics, lows and uncertainties as I did, and that the approach we are all taking to the pandemic must suit us individually regardless of other people’s takes or the political devices at work. The collection is thoroughly well-written and well-edited, but it also has an intelligent flow that builds on different ideas and shows a variety of feelings and experiences. Overall, I would highly recommend Global Burden: The Human Experience Hidden Behind Covid-19 for all readers seeking solace, help, and information on mental health especially during this pandemic.

In Global Burden by Lisa Jo Symonds, as news spread about a new virus in China, the world watched in horror as the death rate rose. We all searched for information on social media and mainstream news sites with frustration and fear as only conflicting and some completely false reports could be found. As the virus spread across the world, the lockdowns and social distancing measures were introduced. Many people accepted the guidelines, others became frightened for the lives of their loved ones, and some angry as false reports and news were discovered. The world's population was now sectioned into just two categories, not according to their race, religious or political beliefs, but essential and non-essential workers. If you were deemed a non-essential worker then you faced unemployment, hunger, financial stress, and the possibility that your business could close for good. Discover the real stories behind the headlines from a wide section of normal people and how the pandemic has affected them. From children who are concerned about their elderly relatives to front line workers, a prison inmate, and those who have been directly affected by the virus.

The personal accounts throughout Global Burden by Lisa Jo Symonds are extremely heart-warming and emotional to read. As we all deal with the virus in our own way, we are each suffering and dealing with the situation in whichever way we can. It is essential we learn about the experiences of others in these terrible times and this poignant collection of stories has been written from the heart. The author's account at the beginning is rational, understandable, and contains intelligent arguments. Not fear but fact-based. I thought reading about the situation of the front line and essential workers and what day to day life is like for them was extremely touching. What struck me most about reading these accounts was how the same event can affect people so differently. Some searched for answers, some were angry, some lonely, some frightened for their loved ones while others used the opportunity to diversify and re-evaluate their lives. This is a very poignant collection of thoughts and experiences that will truly touch your heart.