Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD can occur alone or in combination after an acute illness like COVID. Symptoms of anxiety include irritability, excessive worry, and feelings of restlessness. Symptoms of depression include a decreased interest in life events such as social interactions, sadness, and sometimes thoughts of suicide. PTSD is triggered by a traumatic event and symptoms can include flashbacks to the traumatic events, distressing memories, and nightmares of the event. For many, being infected with COVID can be a traumatic event, regardless of hospitalization.
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Chat options are also available on their website. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. These services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If someone hears, sees, or believes something that isn’t real, this refers to psychosis. Psychosis is a symptom that can occur due to mental or physical illnesses, a traumatic event, extreme stress, or substance use. Early signs of psychosis include trouble thinking clearly, unease around others, or believing unusual things no matter what others say. Psychosis is often treated with medications and can require a series of doctor visits. If you begin to experience signs of psychosis and are increasingly agitated or have an urgent mental health need, do not hesitate to call 911 or visit your local emergency department for care.
Seeing a Doctor for Mental Health & Mood
To diagnose you with depression, PTSD, or another psychiatric conditions, your doctor may ask you a series of questions to determine how often you’ve been feeling sad or anxious. They may also want to know about whether you’ve experienced changes in appetite or if you’ve had trouble sleeping. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or PTSD you may be prescribed medication, psychotherapy, or referred to a medical specialist like a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.