What We Know About The Mental Health Implications Of ‘Long COVID’

Over the last year, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people across the world.

With at least 148,000,000 million cases of COVID-19 registered worldwide, the physical implications of ‘long COVID’ are discussed on a regular basis, especially as vaccinations begin to roll out.

Although many argue that the physical implications of ‘long COVID’ are more substantial, the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’ are often left unexplored.

As 1.1 million people find their lives affected by ‘long COVID’ and one in five people have developed mental health problems as a result of ‘long COVD’, it is vital to understand the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’.

To help you understand the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’, we are sharing what we know about the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’ with you here.

‘Long COVID’ Has Left Many Individual’s Struggling With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Hospitalisation and long-term health complications of COVID-19 have undoubtedly reduced the physical health of millions of people who sadly found themselves requiring respiratory assistance and medical treatment over the last 12-months.

Although, as touched on above, the physical implications are considered somewhat extreme among those who have recovered from COVID-19, research has concluded that more than one-third of patients treated for COVID-19 and ‘long COVID’ now require treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.  

In addition, post-traumatic stress disorder has come to impair the lives of individuals who have witnessed their loved ones suffering with COVID-19.  Individuals who have watched loved ones die as a result of COVID-19 are also known to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Number Of People Struggling With Anxiety Has Soared

In addition to struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, ‘long COVID’ has seen the number of people struggling with anxiety soar.

Many individuals struggling with anxiety as a result of ‘long COVID’ state that they are anxious and scared to return to their everyday life.  Others have confirmed that they experience unhelpful thoughts and beliefs as a result of ‘long COVID’.

In addition to the above, many fear that they will contract COVID-19 again.  Sadly, this also contributes to the number of people experiencing anxiety associated with ‘long COVID’.

People Affected By ‘Long COVID’ Are At Greater Risk Of Developing Depression

Due to the health complications that COVID-19 has imposed, increased bouts of loneliness, isolation from loved ones and heightened levels of stress and anxiety, people affected by ‘long COVID’ are at greater risk of developing depression.

A study conducted by the European Respiratory Journal in early 2021 confirmed this, stating that 15% of COVID-19 survivors currently suffer from depression.

In addition, 42% of individuals living with ‘long COVID’ are thought to be impaired by depression.

Long COVID Sees Many Struggle With Extreme Fatigue

As COVID-19 began to spread across the world, fatigue was noted as one of the early symptoms.

Although fatigue is thought to alleviate as individuals recover from COVID-19, much research has come to suggest that ‘long COVID’ has left one in ten people struggling with extreme fatigue.  In some instances, fatigue linked to ‘long COVID’ is thought to be chronic.

While considered to be a physical implication, fatigue can also be classified as a mental health implication of ‘long COVID’.

This is because extreme fatigue is a common symptom of many mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Fatigue is also linked to burnout, which often arises as a result of mental health problems.

Insomnia Is Linked To ‘Long COVID’

As noted above, one of the most significant health implications of ‘long COVID’ is extreme fatigue.  As a more substantial number of individuals find themselves struggling with fatigue, an increase in the number of people battling insomnia as a result of ‘long COVID’ has also escalated.

Many studies have confirmed that a large proportion of individuals that struggle with ‘long COVID’ find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.

Sadly, fatigue and mental health disorders, including anxiety, often come hand in hand.  As a result, individuals that find themselves suffering from insomnia are much more likely to develop other mental health implications associated with ‘long COVID’.

Women Are Thought To Be More At Risk Of Developing Mental Health Implications Associated With ‘Long COVID’

Although both men and women are at risk of developing mental health implications associated with ‘long COVID’, a study conducted to ascertain the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’ has highlighted that women are more likely to develop mental health implications following treatment for COVID-19.  

In particular, the study determined that women are more likely to suffer from anxiety than men are when ‘long COVID’ is encountered.

Treatment Is Available For The Mental Health Implications Of ‘Long COVID’

Having reviewed what we know about the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’, it is essential to remember that if you are struggling with the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’, there is treatment available to help you overcome the mental health implications you may have come to experience.

If you find yourself sadly struggling with the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’, at Addiction Advocates, we can assist you as you turn your thoughts to acquiring mental health treatment.

Regardless of whether you find yourself struggling with depression, stress, anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder due to ‘long COVID’, we can refer you for treatment at a suitable rehab.

Contact Us Today

If you would like to find out more about the treatment that is readily available or would like to refer yourself for mental health treatment at a private rehab in the United Kingdom, please call us today on 0800 012 6088.

In doing so, our admissions team will listen to you as you discuss the mental health implications of ‘long COVID’ that you have come to experience.  They will then inform you of the available treatment for you to take advantage of and ensure that any questions you have are answered.