Since COVID-19 began wreaking havoc on the world two years ago, we have suffered effects that go beyond only our physical wellbeing.
In retrospect, it comes as little surprise that the epidemic led to mental health problems. Living through a pandemic has had a stunning effect on our society’s mental health. If you’ve noticed yourself becoming more agitated, apprehensive, or even a touch melancholy over the last two years, know that you’re not alone. This is true whether you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, a friend or family member has, or you’ve lost a loved one to the virus. Additionally, there is assistance available for you.
A pandemic has taught us that we are stronger when we work together, if there is anything it has taught us. Continue reading to see how COVID depression may affect your mental health and what you can do to address it.
A novel and effective treatment for mental health issues, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is esketamine clinic therapy.
Depression in COVID-19 Patients & Survivors
Whether you have just received a COVID-19 diagnosis or are one among the survivors, the despair you could be going through is not unusual.
First of all, it’s critical to realise that the current situation is not “normal.” Many areas of our life have changed as a result of what we’ve been through during the epidemic, which can be hard for some people to comprehend. When this reality is combined with a true diagnosis, the stress and pressure can seem debilitating at best and overpowering at worst.
Is depression a side effect of COVID-19?
Although additional study is required to assess the long-term implications of depression brought on by COVID-19, several studies have already produced startling findings. In fact, even months after recovery, more than half of those polled (52.4%) still reported moderate to severe signs of major depression.
It can be considered a COVID-19 side effect, however not everyone gets it. People who have never experienced depression or who are equipped with the means to deal with its symptoms are less impacted by it. – Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, LCSWC, CFTP,
The severity of COVID and depression appear to be related as well. According to the same study, people who experienced more severe COVID symptoms are more likely to report experiencing depressive symptoms after they have recovered from the virus. Additionally, COVID survivors appear to be more prone to disclose additional mental health issues, such as:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Insomnia (or “Coronasomnia”)
- Anxiety
What is causing depression following COVID-19?
While research continues, there are two ways it’s currently thought that COVID-19 can have an impact on mental health, including issues related to both:
- Our immune response to the virus
- Psychological stress stemming from a COVID-19 diagnosis
Immune response:
We believe that human immune system creates chemokines and cytokines in response to COVID-19 infections, in addition to other inflammation-causing responses. T-helper-2 cell-secreted cytokines, a particular cytokine, tend to be present at higher amounts in individuals with more severe symptoms in COVID cases.
High levels of cytokines can result in, among a host of other complications, the following:
- A disruption in blood-brain-barrier
- Inflammation (nerves)
- Nerve transmission impairment
- Central nervous system issues
Each of the aforementioned disorders has a direct connection to other mental health issues, such depression. Furthermore, studies have connected serious depressive illness and high levels of systemic immune-inflammation.
Psychological stress:
Depression during COVID appears to be influenced by a variety of psychological variables. High levels of PTSD, anxiety, sadness, and sleep difficulties have all been often observed during and after COVID infections. These might all be a result of stress brought on by:
- Psychological reaction to contracting a potentially deadly virus
- Social isolation and confinement
- COVID-19 stigma
- Guilt or fear of spreading COVID to others
COVID-19’s Impact on Mental Health
Even if you haven’t caught COVID-19, it’s impossible to deny the damage the epidemic has done to many people’s mental health. Each of us has experienced some sort of effect. The majority of individuals appear to be having difficulty surviving the COVID-19 epidemic, whether out of dread for themselves or anxiety for their children and others.
You are not alone if you have dealt with depression brought on by COVID-19 and connected to any of the following. Any one of these things could be a role in sadness, anxiety, or a variety of other mental health issues.
- Fear of getting sick
- General trauma about a deadly virus
- Loss of a sense of community
- Grief from the loss of a loved one
- Grief about missing milestones and major life events
- Loss of access to caregivers and basic medical needs
- Food insecurity or housing insecurity
- Additional financial concerns
- Loss of a job or fear of a loss of a job
How to Deal With Depression from the COVID-19 Pandemic
According to COVID statistics, depression has significantly grown. According to certain studies, depressed symptoms became more common in all participant categories.
It is obvious that the epidemic and disturbed mental health are related. This only serves to reinforce the need for more study if we want to successfully counteract any additional COVID-19-related possible mental health effects.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you may do to lessen COVID-19-related melancholy. Try any of the following self-help methods if the pandemic is causing you mental health problems. Both of these may benefit your mental wellness.
Maintain a healthy diet and hydrate:
Both the body and the mind may benefit from eating well and getting enough water.
Stick to a healthy sleep schedule:
It’s crucial to keep a regular sleep pattern since it can lower anxiety and sadness and improve attention and energy levels.
Get outside for fresh air and sunshine:
Even a brief period of time in the sun can assist with mood stability, however given the circumstances it might be difficult.
Workout:
Exercise raises endorphin levels, which are known to elevate mood, lower stress levels, and aid in managing anxiety and depression.
Limit (or avoid altogether) tobacco, drugs, and alcohol:
Despite being frequently viewed as an escape, abusing drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes can actually make stress and anxiety worse.
Limit your screen time:
The next time you have free time, pick up a book rather than your phone. Spending too much time on screens might worsen anxiety and interfere with sleep.
Practice mindful meditation, yoga, or tai chi:
Meditation, yoga, and tai chi are all recognised as excellent mental resets that may be very helpful in controlling depression. Consider downloading a meditation app or joining a fitness website that provides yoga or tai chi classes.
Keep a routine:
Whether you realise it or not, routines are good for your body and mind. Although you don’t have to be strict about it, trying to stick to a plan, especially in the age of remote work, might help you recover from depression.
Avoid social media and news media:
Doom scrolling has become popular in our day, and it might be difficult to resist. However, today’s overexposure to social and news media has negative effects. Try writing, taking a stroll, or visiting a buddy for coffee as a substitute for both.
Set priorities and stick to them:
When we set priorities, we all perform better. Even while there is some flexibility in adopting a “go with the flow” mentality and way of life, making a list of your top objectives might be helpful when you start to develop negative habits that might be causing your sadness.
Keep yourself busy:
If you have trouble relaxing, take up a hobby or prepare something to do while you’re idle. There are many enjoyable things to do to pass the time, like reading, crocheting, jogging, and writing.
Focus on positivity:
It is established that optimism has power. To maintain a good outlook and let go of the bad, try mantras, gratitude diaries, or gratitude checks.
Practice random acts of kindness:
According to studies, being kind to others also lifts our spirits.
Make personal connections:
Isolation is a contributing factor in the COVID-19 patient’s battle with depression. Make an attempt to develop or restore personal ties with the people in your life if you discover that being alone is having an adverse effect on your mental health.
Seek therapy:
Speak to a therapist or doctor if you can’t seem to get yourself out of your depression on your own. Men are expected to support their fellow citizens and refrain from seeking treatment resistant depression for their personal wellbeing.