The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on all of us. During this period, more and more people struggled with depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. The use of antidepressants had increased significantly, while domestic violence and suicide rates had also been on the rise.
Going back to the pre-COVID age may not be an option, but we need to learn how to overcome post-COVID depression to improve our well-being and our mental health, adapt to the new reality, and find happiness.
Can Covid Cause Depression?
Unfortunately, the links between mental health and COVID-19 have not been deeply researched. However, more and more scientists are now looking into not only how the virus affects our brain, but also how loneliness, isolation, and stress caused by the pandemic impacted our mental health.
Some of the main symptoms of depression are:
- Losing interest in activities that you used to enjoy
- Appetite loss or unintentional weight gain
- Low libido
- Restlessness, agitation
- Loss of energy or feeling tired all the time
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Difficulty to work, make decisions, or focus
- Anxiety, excessive worrying
- Irritability and mood swings
- Ruminating (focusing on negative thoughts)
- Suicidal thoughts
To relieve these symptoms, more and more people opt for therapy. This helps people deal with depressive moods, manage their stress, anxiety, and handle insomnia.
Is Depression a Symptom of COVID?
As for now, the full impact of COVID-19 on our mental health is not fully researched. However, it’s easy to notice that the mental health of healthcare workers and the public, in general, was affected in this period.
There are ongoing studies on how depression is linked to COVID-19. Although depression is not a symptom of COVID-19, researchers estimate that depression will be a major issue for COVID-19 survivors. This is most likely caused by numerous factors, including financial uncertainty, loss of loved ones, isolation, loneliness, and others.
Myths About Depression
If you think that you or one of your loved ones may have depression, the first step to getting help is to understand what depression is. There are numerous educational resources, although there are plenty of common myths about depression. Such myths are extremely dangerous because they can block access to treatment.
Here are the most common myths about depression.
1. Depression goes away by itself
Many people who have depression symptoms are willing to simply “wait it out”. Some people may be able to get over depression by themselves, but most people require treatment.
Sometimes, people with depression may see some improvement without treatment, but it can take months or years, and waiting it out may only worsen your symptoms. People who opt for professional help and therapy are able to return to their pre-covid routines, be productive, and use effective practices to adapt and overcome challenges.
2. Only adults have depression
This myth is probably one of the most dangerous ones, as it prevents children from getting the necessary treatment. This can slow down their development and have long-lasting effects on their well-being and happiness. The truth is that depression can affect anyone from any age group and gender.
It is also not true that only women can be depressed – everyone can experience depression symptoms.
There must be a clear reason behind depression
Many people think that depression is triggered by major events in our life, such as a loss of a loved one or divorce. The truth is that depression isn’t necessarily linked to a specific situation.
The major stress and uncertainty that you went through during the COVID-19 pandemic are enough to make you experience depression symptoms. There are other reasons for it, too, including medical ones (i.e., hormonal problems), major changes in life, like becoming a parent, or alcohol and drug use. Finally, depression can happen without any obvious reason, too.
If you have depression, it means you are weak
Not being able to control your thoughts, restlessness, or inability to focus are not signs of weakness. Depression is rooted in a chemical imbalance, which means that most people need treatment to overcome it.
Trying to fight depression by yourself is like trying to make asthma or allergies disappear by using your willpower. It doesn’t show a lack of strength — it’s a health problem, and it’s not about your personality.
Antidepressants are only for people with suicidal thoughts
Another common myth is that depression treatment consists of antidepressants, which should only be taken by people who frequently think about suicide. Medicine can help you control your stress and address your specific symptoms.
Not all depressed people think about suicide, and there is a lot of medication available that can help you return to your regular routine.
How to Overcome Post-COVID Depression
If you are concerned about your mental health, it is important to seek professional help. The treatment process may involve medicine, talk therapy, or both. Therapy implies talking to a licensed therapist that can help you overcome post-COVID depression.
Apart from these, there are also a few other tips that will help you get back on track:
- Make a list of hobbies or activities that you’d like to return to and make a step-by-step plan for it;
- Identify what makes you anxious or concerned; for instance, if you are afraid to go out and eat, take a smaller step, like ordering takeout and going to a park to enjoy your meal;
- Try to distract yourself from negative thoughts, focusing on new opportunities rather than threats;
- Accept that nothing is certain in the world, nothing is completely safe. It’s important to focus on enjoying your life rather than trying to control every detail.
- If going back to pre-COVID activities makes you anxious or uneasy, always comfort yourself afterward. For instance, if going back to the office is difficult, go for a walk in the park afterward to unwind.
- If you have suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
What to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed?
We can help our loved ones if we think that they are going through a difficult time. Although many symptoms associated with depression are internal ones (like excessive worrying or ruminating and low energy), we can also look out for unusual behavioral patterns.
For instance, we may notice that our loved ones start to avoid us – whether it means avoiding hanging out with us or working without a break. Alternatively, they may seem lazy while in fact, they may have difficulties in keeping up with their responsibilities or focusing on work.
People who start to show aggressiveness, irritability, or controlling behaviors may also struggle with depression. Oversleeping or insomnia may also be easy to identify.
Here are a few things you can do to help your loved ones with depression:
- Tell them that you care about them and they matter to you;
- Tell them you are there for them, no matter what they go through;
- Ask them how you can help them, whether it be doing house chores, shopping for them, or taking them to an appointment;
- Ask them if they want to talk to you (and be ready to listen to them);
- Encourage them to talk to a therapist and emphasize that treatment will help them recover;
- Tell and show them that you understand (but only if you do);
- Tell them it’s okay to feel like this and resist the urge to come up with quick fixes or solutions to their problems;
- Tell them they are not weak or broken if they have such feelings or thoughts – there’s nothing wrong with them, they only need support;
- Be positive and optimistic.
Sometimes, attempts to be supportive may go wrong, and your friend or dear one could become upset or angry with you. In this case, do not take it personally, remain calm, and do what you can to help them – love and care will go a very long way, in any case.
Final Thoughts
All in all, getting back on track after COVID-19 can be a challenge. Depression after COVID may have many symptoms, but there is always hope. Professional help and therapy can help you go back to your normal routine, favorite activities, and loved ones.
Although in-person therapy is not always a convenient option, especially if a person who needs help has a busy work schedule, online therapy platforms like Calmerry enable everyone to get the necessary help remotely. You can also learn more about therapy so that you will know what to expect from your first session.
