The Complex Intersection of Mental Health and Long COVID
As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health remains at the forefront of public health discussions. With over one in five U.S. adults experiencing mental illness¹, World Mental Health Day, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), encourages reflection on the importance of mental well-being and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. As a company, we feel that it is necessary to understand how overall health impacts mental health and the ongoing impact of Long COVID, which has introduced new complexities to mental health.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID is a chronic condition that persists for at least three months after the initial infection with COVID-19.² It can manifest in a variety of ways, including fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive impairments, making daily life more challenging.³ More than 26% of individuals with Long COVID report serious limitations in their ability to carry out daily activities.⁴
The Mental Health Toll of Long COVID
The pandemic’s psychological effects have been devastating, with job losses, isolation, and grief contributing to a surge in mental health issues globally.⁵ The psychological effects of the pandemic are well-documented, but Long COVID adds another layer of mental health challenges. People suffering from this condition often report depression, anxiety, and other cognitive difficulties. For example, 41% of adults with Long COVID report symptoms of depression at a six-month follow-up, indicating a deep and lasting psychological impact.⁶ Long COVID in children can exacerbate mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Children with Long COVID may experience a significant reduction in their quality of life, as these mental health symptoms interfere with daily functioning, school performance, and social interactions.⁷
However, research has shown that not only can Long COVID cause mental health problems, but individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions are also at a higher risk of developing Long COVID. While the reasons for this are still being studied, findings suggest that conditions like depression, anxiety, and pain disorders may make individuals more vulnerable to the long-term effects of COVID-19.⁸
Vulnerable Populations: A Double Burden
Marginalized communities face a disproportionate burden when it comes to both mental health and Long COVID. These groups often encounter greater barriers to healthcare and higher levels of economic and social stress, which can compound their vulnerability. Research shows that those with disabilities experience mental health struggles at a rate nearly five times higher than those without disabilities, and this statistic holds true for those suffering from Long COVID.⁹
Protecting Yourself: The Role of Vaccination
While the exact mechanisms behind Long COVID are still being researched, one clear preventive measure is staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. According to the CDC, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and, by extension, the chances of developing Long COVID. By taking steps to protect your physical health, you are also helping to safeguard your mental well-being.
¹https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
²https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10378471/#:~:text=The%20most%20frequently%20reported%20long,and%20sensorimotor%20deficits%20%5B19%5D
⁴https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/features/mental-health-for-all.html
⁵https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-Sci_Brief-Mental_health-2022.1
⁶https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep23-06-05-007.pdf
⁷https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/04/pediatric-long-covid
⁸https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-52656-6
⁹https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/features/mental-health-for-all.html