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Is There a Link Between COVID-19 and Depression?
People who have had COVID have a higher rate of depression than people in the general population.
Those with severe COVID-19 symptoms seem to have a greater risk of initial depressive symptoms.
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Not everyone with long COVID has the same symptoms.
Some people have shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain without a clear cause.
Others have symptoms characteristic of clinicaldepressionwhile others may have mild depressive symptoms.
For example, many people with long COVID have:
Many people also experience increased anxiety or sadness.
In some cases, depression might be part of a long COVID syndrome, with or without additional symptoms.
What Causes Depression in People Who Have Had COVID-19?
Scientists are still learning about what causes depression in people whove had COVID-19.
They do know that circumstances contribute to COVID-related depression.
Other infections may also trigger syndromes that can cause symptoms like depression, such as the originalSARS virusorLyme disease.
Scientists theorize thatinflammationplays a role in the development of depression with COVID-19.
However, the link between COVID and depression is complex.
The virus that causes COVID binds to specific receptors in your brain, which might worsen depression.
This was especially true early in the pandemic before vaccines and targeted treatments were available.
Uncertainty about the virus was particularly stressful and profoundly affected peoples lives.
The pandemic also had broader effects, which varied based on individual circumstances.
Alcohol-related deaths and rates of suicide also increased.
Many of these trends improved as the impact of COVID lessened and disease outcomes became more predictable.
Some scientists believe the overall effects on peoples mental health have been overestimated.
Its especially critical to do so if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
They can help you determine how to best navigate this time.
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call911.
Even if your symptoms are milder, getting input from a mental health provider is often helpful.
Many people benefit from a holistic, multifaceted approach to depression treatment.
Social isolation and other factors surrounding COVID negatively affected many peoples mental health.
A holistic approach may work best in managing symptoms of COVID depression.
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