Is Depression a Potential Consequence of Having COVID-19?

COVID-19 and Its Potential Link to Depression

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected physical health but has also triggered factors that contribute to depression. Fear of contracting the virus, grief over the loss of loved ones, and reduced access to caregivers are some of the triggers that have been identified.

The good news is that vaccines are now available to physically protect the body. However, it's essential to remember that mental health is equally important during these challenging times.

Research has shown that older adults who felt lonely and had exercised less were at a greater risk for depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant jump in diagnoses of anxiety and depressive disorders from 2020 to 2021.

One study suggests that about 1 in 5 people may develop a mental health condition 14 to 90 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19, with many experiencing their first one. Signs of needing immediate help include increased substance use, irregular sleeping patterns, more aggression than usual, constant tiredness, and loss of interest in friends, family, and activities.

Lockdowns and quarantines have been associated with an increase in new depressive symptoms, an increase in new anxiety symptoms, and an increase in fearful spells. People who lost their job because of the pandemic reported higher stress levels, more anxiety, and more depressive symptoms.

It's crucial to prioritise mental health and practice self-care during a crisis. Strategies for self-care include meditating, taking deep breaths, getting 8 hours of sleep, limiting alcohol and substances, staying connected with others, and getting vaccinated for peace of mind.

Mental health symptoms that developed as a result of COVID-19 seem to persist after recovery. Recent research is starting to link depression with COVID-induced headaches. There is also some indication of a link between the disease and symptoms of depression.

One theory suggests that the coronavirus may indirectly create blood clots, which can cause brain damage. Another study suggests that the body's immune system, while fighting the virus, may indirectly injure brain cells. Researchers like Prof. Dr. Mascha Binder and her team at the University Hospital Halle are investigating the possible long-term psychological effects of COVID-19, including immune cell reprogramming linked to Long COVID symptoms.

There are resources available to help manage depression and cope with the mental health challenges caused by the pandemic. These include taking an 18-question survey, considering therapy, finding a therapist near you or via telehealth, and using various mental health resources such as the American Psychiatric Association's Find a Psychiatrist tool, the American Psychological Association's Find a Psychologist tool, the Asian Mental Health Collective's therapist directory, the Association of Black Psychologists' Find a Psychologist tool, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helplines and Support Tools, the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, Inclusive Therapists, and others.

If you are considering self-harm or suicide, help is available at 988, 988lifeline.org, or by texting "HOME" to 741741. Remember, it's okay to ask for help.

While there is limited information about the long-term effects of COVID-19, it's essential to stay informed and take care of both our physical and mental health during these unprecedented times. Increased inflammation in the body is linked to depression, so prioritising self-care can help protect mental and emotional health.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and take care of each other.