The epidemic disease of the century, Covid-19 infection deeply affects not only the physical health but also the mental health of the person. Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Peace Sancak “Some of the mental problems seen after Covid-19 can be confused with physical diseases. For this reason, it is important to have information about mental illnesses and to be careful in terms of symptoms. Nowadays, as the epidemic continues, we frequently encounter problems related to Covid-19 in psychiatric clinics. Especially in patients with severe illness, Covid-19 patients who have to be treated in intensive care experience intense post-traumatic stress disorder. We often meet with the exacerbation of mental illnesses that are under control with treatment. " says. Psychiatrist Dr. Barış Sancak explained 19 common psychological problems after Covid-5 infection and which diseases the fear of Covid could be confused with, and made important suggestions and warnings to protect mental health.
Anxiety (Anxiety) Disorders
Studies have shown that at least half of people who have had Covid-19 have symptoms of anxiety disorder. Anxious thoughts about the illness often come to the mind of the person throughout the day. The person may find it difficult to dismiss negative thoughts that their complaints will not go away. We often see that the person does long hours of research on his symptoms on the internet. Complaints such as palpitations, shortness of breath, feeling of distress, fear of death, difficulty sleeping, should suggest anxiety disorder. Complaints such as shortness of breath and palpitations may persist for a while after Covid-19. Therefore, anxiety disorders can be overlooked. In addition, we observe that anxiety disorder increases in the society that does not have Covid-19 due to many psychosocial reasons. If you think you have these symptoms, you should consult a mental health professional.
Depression
Half of people with Covid-19 experience depressive symptoms, and there is an overall increase in depressive complaints in the society. Complaints such as unhappiness, inability to enjoy life, changes in appetite and sleep are important symptoms of depression. Studies have shown that suicidal behavior, one of the most dangerous consequences of depression, also increases after the pandemic. Social isolation, anxiety related to uncertainty, economic problems, a history of depression and having severe Covid-19 disease are important risk factors. When you observe depressive complaints in yourself and in your relatives, you should get support as soon as possible.
Harmful habits
Studies have shown that alcohol consumption increases twice after the pandemic. Those with past alcohol problems are particularly at risk. This "self-treatment" effort can lead to serious addiction tables. There are also studies suggesting that Covid-19 infection is more severe in people with alcohol and substance addiction.
Insomnia
Insomnia, one of the most common symptoms after Covid-19 infection, can be due to other mental illnesses or can be seen alone. Although its mechanism has not been determined yet, it is thought to be caused by hormonal and biochemical changes in the brain. We can control this situation with an appropriate treatment after a detailed evaluation. In addition, we see that chronic insomnia reaches 40 percent in the general society during the pandemic period. However, for some people, even lifestyle changes can be enough to correct this situation.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Psychiatrist Dr. Peace Sancak “This often overlooked condition can be seen as 19 percent after discharge, especially in hospitalized patients with severe Covid-90. In particular, we see that patients who need treatment in intensive care experience psychological trauma. Intense fear of death, desperation, despair and feelings of loneliness contribute to the emergence of this ailment. If bad thoughts about the hospital experience, nightmares, difficulty falling asleep, avoiding reminder stimuli persist for more than a month after discharge, treatment should be applied. If this condition is not treated, it carries the risk of becoming permanent. " says.
10 tips to protect our mental health
- Make online conversations with your friends and loved ones
- Adopt an immune-boosting lifestyle
- Avoid harmful habits such as alcohol and smoking
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Take care to drink two liters of water a day
- Go to bed at the same time every day, get up at the same time every day
- Avoid inactivity
- Exercise regularly
- If necessary, do not hesitate to seek professional support.
- Get a hobby, spare time for your hobbies
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