Mental health issues like anxiety and depression have been rising during the pandemic due to issues like social isolation, economic stress and loss of loved ones. In addition, new research suggests those who have had COVID-19 are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions. This article helps explain the impact of long COVID-19 on mental health.
As we enter year three of the pandemic, research is focusing on long COVID-19 conditions and other implications. Long COVID-19 has many physical symptoms—fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, headaches and changes in taste or smell—but the chronic condition can also impact mental health. Neurological COVID-19 symptoms like depression, anxiety and brain fog impact mental health. The psychological toll of ongoing symptoms and lack of real answers can also increase mental health risks.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry sheds light on an excess of mental health diagnoses in the months after contracting COVID-19. Nearly one-quarter of the adults experienced a mood, anxiety or psychotic disorder—with this being the first diagnosis of such a disorder for roughly 9% of surviving COVID-19 patients.
Risks were most significant in, but not limited to, patients who had a severe case of COVID-19. Researchers continue to study the impact of COVID-19 and long COVID-19 conditions but have a few theories as to why this may be happening. For one, some are experiencing multiorgan effects of COVID-19, including symptoms that impact the brain and immune system. They may have also had a traumatic experience with COVID-19, especially if they were hospitalized in an intensive care unit. Lastly, in general, people continue to battle the uncertainty of the pandemic. They’re left to cope with unknowns, hopelessness and fatigue as COVID-19 projections and guidelines continue to evolve.
Whether you’ve had COVID-19 or not, rarely has there been a greater need for mental health support than now. If you need help, reach out to loved ones or a doctor, or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).
