Counselling After COVID-19
What is Long COVID?
The Corona Virus has had a tremendous impact on both the physical and mental health of much of the world’s population. While the physical effects of COVID-19 have been the more pronounced results of the pandemic, the emotional and mental effects of COVID-19 cannot be overlooked. The term long COVID emerged as a way to describe the effects of COVID-19 that persist for weeks or months beyond the initial illness. Sources vary but most report that long COVID can be applied to symptoms that last for more than 8 to 12 weeks. Research published by Imperial College London in 2021 found two main categories of ongoing symptoms: respiratory symptoms like coughing or breathlessness, and more general symptoms like tiredness and fatigue. Approximately 10% of COVID patients develop long COVID.
Fatigue
Breathlessness or Shortness of Breath
Difficulty Sleeping
Anxiety and Depression
Heart Palpitations
Chest Tightness or Pain
Joint or Muscle Pain
Inability to Think Straight or Focus (‘Brain Fog’)
Change to Your Sense of Smell or Taste
Persistent Cough
What Are The Symptoms of Long COVID?
Long COVID can sometimes feel like a cycle of improving for a time and then getting worse again. There is no correlation between severity of initial symptoms and duration of COVID symptoms. The exact cause of long COVID is not yet fully understood, but researchers believe that it may be related to lingering inflammation in the body or to damage to the immune system caused by the initial infection. Some common symptoms of coronavirus can include:
How Can Long COVID Affect My Mental Health?
Physical health conditions often affect your mental health and vice versa. If a person experiences persistent COVID symptoms that linger for a prolonged period of time, this could lead to other symptoms like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Some studies have indicated that about 1 in 4 people who experience long COVID, develop a mental health issue which could affect things like your quality of life or ability to work. Many people become anxious about how long their symptoms might last or when life will get back to normal. These are good topics to discuss with a licensed mental health counsellor. Book a Free Consultation or Intake Appointment if you are suffering from the effects of COVID-19 or long COVID.
What Can I Do To Recover From Long COVID?
If you think you may have long COVID, the most important thing you can do is to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific treatment for long COVID, and the best course of action will depend on the individual and the specific symptoms they are experiencing. However, here are a few things that may help with the healing process:
Get Enough Rest and Sleep: Make sure you're getting enough rest and sleep each night.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve your overall health and manage symptoms of long COVID.
Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or yoga, to help manage stress and improve your mood.
Gradually Increase Physical Activity: Gradually increasing physical activity can help improve your overall health and manage symptoms of long COVID.
Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet can help support your overall health and well-being.
Support Groups: Joining a support group for people with long COVID can be helpful as you can share your experiences with others and gain helpful insights.
Rehabilitation: Some people with long COVID may benefit from rehabilitation programs that can help improve their physical and mental health.
Mental Health Support: If you are experiencing anxiety or depression as a result of your long COVID, consider seeking counselling or therapy.
