Now you are recovered from Covid-19 a month ago still struggling with some mental health problem? Your oxygen level reached normal, but still having constant headaches and struggling to do easy tasks.
Walking from the bedroom to the hall feels like an accomplishment, but more than that still feel depressed and nervous. Constant worries keep you up the whole night.
Dr. Damanjit Kaur (MD Psychiatry)
Mental Health Affected by Covid-19
Researchers around the world are still studying the long-term effects of Covid-19. The data worldwide shows that 1/3rd infected patients may develop neurological symptoms.
Leaving that aside, we know that pandemic created mental health issues among the people due to the psychological toll of isolation, loneliness, unemployment, financial stress, and importantly loss of loved ones.
Does Covid-19 Increase Mental Health Issues?
The most recent studies showed that the Covid-19 infection increases psychiatric problems, insomnia, and dementia. The study also revealed that 65% of people having psychiatric disorders were more likely to be diagnosed with Covid-19.
A source from Mental Health Institution says, " There are some bodily changes after Covid-19, which in some ways related to creating psychiatric problems."
Understand Covid-19 Psychiatric Disorder
You may sometimes feel stressed, fatigued, or even sad due to the effects of Covid-19 on your body. When you visit your doctor's clinic and screen positive for your depression or anxiety, remember it's just a diagnostic tool.
People having Covid-19 also test screen positive for depression, as symptoms of Covid-19 and depression overlap. For example, lack of sleep, reduced concentration, and reduced appetite may also be due to another medical illness.
Steps to Minimize Mental Consequences of Covid-19 Infection?
Vaccination: It is crucial to vaccinate people with a psychiatric disorder, which is an independent risk factor for Covid-19 Infection.
Mask and Social Distancing: Aim to make social distancing, wear a mask, and stay out of the large public gathering.
Seek Social Support: Although social distancing is more crucial, getting support from others can help to improve psychiatric symptoms.
Connect Virtually with Health Care Providers: Consider using calls or video calls for daily routine check-ups and treatment from a mental health professional. The therapist can help to find new ways to fight depression and stress.
Perform Physical Activities: Physical activities help to boost heart health and memory, while medicines help to relax anxiety, depression, and stress.
Try to anticipate distress: It is okay to get overwhelmed when you read news about the outbreak. It is important not to get stressed and keep up with your physical and mental health. Try to avoid habits like smoking, drinking, and overeating to increase health issues.
Conclusion
The mental health issues are still under study and show how much we still need to learn. The mental health issues that fall out of pandemic are likely to be included for a long time battle understanding how the disease impacts mental health is vital to work.
Having social support and perform physical activities can help to relieve some mental disorders.
Dr. Damanjit Kaur
(MD Psychiatry)
Faith Hospital, Chandigarh