How COVID can affect your mental health:
Studies have revealed that coronavirus can affect your brain. In fact, more than one-third of patients are seen to be developing neurologic symptoms. Dr. Stephanie Collier, psychiatry instructor at Harvard Medical School, explained that apart from such infections, the pandemic has also resulted in worsening mental health outcomes due to the psychological toll of isolation, loneliness, unemployment, financial stressors etc.
“The prescription of antidepressants has spiked, intimate partner violence has increased, and suicidal thoughts are on the rise, especially in young adults."
What is Long COVID depression?
Being unwell can have an impact on your mental health. It’s not unusual to experience lower mood after being through a significant event such as coronavirus (COVID-19). In such cases , symptoms usually go away in days or weeks. If it doesn't, then it is a sign of depression.
The symptoms for Long COVID depression include feeling spells of sadness, anxiousness and panic attacks. Sometimes, patients may have feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem and tiredness.
What are the symptoms?
If you have been keeping low for days or weeks after the initial recovery, then it is a sign of depression due to long COVID. Such syndrome can cause difficulties in concentrating, not enjoying small things in life, and at times, it can also be serious like impacting your everyday life.
You may find yourself resorting to comfort eating or losing your appetite. In terms of sleep, you might be sleeping more than usual, or being unable to sleep at all.
If you experience depression symptoms most of the day, every day, for more than two weeks, you should visit your General Practitioner.
