The Effects of Long Covid on Mental Health
Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are beginning to see the long-term effects that the disease has on mental health. Mental health providers continue to see increases in the number of people experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health diagnoses as a result of the stress and trauma that many experienced during the pandemic. While many people have been able to return to normal life after quarantine and masking requirements were lifted, there is an increasingly large group of people who suffer from Long COVID, and the prevalence of mental health challenges in this group is even greater than in those who were able to recover normally from COVID infections.
What is Long COVID?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines Long COVID as a chronic condition that occurs following a COVID infection that is present for at least three months. They note that the condition includes a wide range of symptoms that require comprehensive care and may cause disability. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, nervous system dysfunction, brain fog, dizziness, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety; however this is nowhere near a comprehensive list of all possible symptoms. While some people see an improvement in these symptoms within a few months, there are many folks who have been dealing with Long COVID for multiple years. Studies have shown that as many as 18.9% of US adults may have experienced Long COVID, but because the disorder looks different for everyone, it is often difficult to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Effects on Mental Health
In June 2023, the US Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory related to the identification and management of mental health symptoms related to Long COVID; in which they stated that the condition has had devastating effects on the mental health of those who experience it, as well as their families. To best understand why there is such a significant relationship between Long COVID and a deterioration of mental health, it is helpful to examine the effects of the disorder using a biopsychosocial model.
Biologically, doctors have a few hypotheses about why Long COVID includes many neurological and psychological symptoms such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety. One possible explanation is that the virus increases inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which can impact mental health. Additionally, scientists suggest that the COVID virus disrupts the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, both of which significantly affect mood regulation.
When thinking about the psychological effects of Long COVID on mental health, it is easy to see why this disorder causes significant amounts of anxiety, fear, and worry in the people that it affects. Many people are unaware of Long COVID until they experience it themselves, meaning that the onset of symptoms is typically very concerning and scary. Oftentimes, many individuals have to go through various medical tests to rule out other conditions, which is anxiety-provoking and stressful. In severe cases of Long COVID, the symptoms and process of getting a diagnosis and treatment can be traumatic, especially for people who had to be hospitalized due to symptom severity. In these cases, it is not uncommon for the person to develop symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, because there are still many unknowns regarding treatment and long-term effects of Long COVID, this uncertainty puts further strain on the mental health of people living with this chronic condition.
The reality of living with a chronic illness affects mental health in a variety of other ways including social isolation and financial instability, as many people are unable to return to their normal lives. Individuals living with severe symptoms of the disorder have had to leave their jobs and apply for disability while they seek out treatment. Unfortunately, the reality of our healthcare system further impacts mental health as there are few doctors who are properly educated on the diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID, and waitlists to see these specialists are often over a year long. These frustrations and challenges can lead to an increase of depressive symptoms such as low mood and hopelessness.
What We Can Do to Help
One of the most important factors in improving the mental health and well-being of individuals with Long COVID is the strength of their support system. Because this disorder is often isolating, it is imperative that people are able to lean on friends and family members during difficult times. However, it can be intimidating to ask for help during such a vulnerable time. If you know someone dealing with the effects of Long COVID, consider reaching out to them to simply check-in and see if they need anything. Other resources such as support groups or online communities are also helpful as they provide an opportunity to connect with people who are dealing with similar symptoms and life changes.
Seeking out therapy is another important way that people suffering from Long COVID can work on improving their mental health. While dealing with chronic illness, it is valuable to have an outlet where one can share their anxieties, fears, and frustrations in a safe and validating space. Therapists can also help individuals explore mind-body techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and other relaxation strategies that have been shown to decrease symptoms of Long COVID. These types of coping skills help calm anxiety and improve mood while also addressing some physical effects of the disorder such as a racing heart rate and high blood pressure.
Additionally, many individuals living with Long COVID have found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be beneficial in managing a variety of symptoms. This type of therapy is helpful in targeting the negative thought and behavioral patterns that often arise during periods of stress and overwhelm which lead to increased depression, isolation, and lower self-esteem. CBT can also help improve symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and brain fog. A similar intervention, called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) can help reduce the symptoms of trauma that many people experience as a result of Long COVID.
If you or a loved one is suffering from the mental health effects of Long COVID in Chicago or Illinois, we are here to help at Serengeti Wellness. Please feel free to reach out or schedule a free consultation and we can help you get started with a therapist who can support you in your Long COVID recovery journey.
