We asked therapists for advice on how long COVID survivors can manage their mental health and seek support.
Neurological COVID-19 symptoms like depression, anxiety, and brain fog impact mental health.
However, the psychological toll of ongoing symptoms and lack of concrete answers can increase mental health risks.
Additionally, long COVID patients might experience ableism, which can impact mental health.
Every single symptom of long COVID has a mental health risk, Nichols explains.
Below, therapists weigh in on how to manage the mental health implications of long COVID.
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Lean on your friends and family system
Surround yourself with people who love you and believe you.
While being safe is a top priority, isolation is mentally unhealthy.
Withdrawing from people and spending time alone can enhance loneliness, anger, and sadness and distort your thinking.
Interaction with others keeps us balanced, saysKristin Francis, MD, a psychiatrist atHuntsman Mental Health Institute.
How ever possible, Stay connected with those you love, she says.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Explore support groups
Support groups have popped up as a result of long COVID.
Since long COVID often includes ME/CFS, #MeAction has created support groups for people with long COVID.
Listening to each others stories right now is very important, says Dr. Francis.
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Nichols is now a patient advocate and believes firmly that only patients can understand and relate to patients.
Allow yourself to slow down, sleep, and rest as much as you need, says Anandavalli.
#MeAction has apacing guidethey recommend for people with long COVID.
The most important thing is to bring self-awareness to your feelings and recognize they are valid.
Disconnecting from the news and negative stories on TV and social media will help, too.
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