Consequences of COVID-19: what to do if it is difficult to work and do not want to live

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Coronavirus affects the brain. And no one is immune from this.

What is going on

Researchers from the UK analyzed 236 thousand cases of covid and found out:

Every third of those who have been ill with COVID-19 in a mild form, are faced with mental or neurological disorders within six months after recovery.

Among those who were hospitalized, the nervous system suffers in almost every second.

How exactly COVID-19 affects the nervous system

The mental and neurological consequences of covid are generally complex. Here's how they might look in a specific example.

The husband contracted COVID-19 in March. In April he was hospitalized. Since June, he cannot drive a car at all, as he often loses sensitivity in his legs. Because of this, he had to work from home, until in October he began to have brain fog. This is the name for problems with concentration, memory, the ability to process information, which are often recorded in people with chronic COVID-19. … The husband was always a workaholic, and everyone understood that there was a problem that we had never encountered before. However, the company is now sending him on unpaid leave.

Linda Bennett for Verywell Health

Below are the most common and significant symptoms of coronavirus damage to the nervous system.

Increased anxiety

It occurs in 17% of those who have recovered from COVID-19. That is, almost every fifth.

Even having conquered the disease, a person fears that it will return. Occasional shortness of breath, chest discomfort, pain in the arms or legs are all perceived as symptoms. It constantly seems to a person who has been ill that his health and life are hanging by a thread.

Extreme fatigue

Even simple actions become exhausting. Due to constant fatigue, people cannot return to work for several months.

Decreased intelligence

And significant. This is evidenced by the results of a study published in July, in which scientists tested the cognitive functions of over 80 thousand patients.

Those who have been hospitalized and survived mechanical ventilation are especially affected. Their IQ is reduced by an average of 7 points. This is even more than in people who have suffered a stroke and have reported a loss of learning ability.

But the level of intelligence falls even in those who have had covid disease easily or without symptoms at all.

Lingering insomnia

Sleep disorders, according to a study published in The Lancet, affect 5% of those who have suffered from COVID-19.

But this figure can be much higher: for example, Chinese scientists stated that insomnia is present in 26% of those who have recovered, that is, in every fourth.

Mood disorders

Every seventh person who recovers within six months after recovery has periods of melancholy and apathy.

Anxiety, cognitive difficulties, accumulated fatigue sometimes lead to the fact that a person falls into depression and ceases to understand why he needs to live on. This increases the risk of suicide.

Psychosis

Some people who have had COVID-19 develop a real mental disorder. Such cases are called covid psychosis.

It manifests itself in the form of hallucinations, persecution mania, severe depression, and other psychotic problems. Cases of dementia have also been recorded.

When disorders in the functioning of the nervous system appear

This is individual. Many people are lucky: they only experience a brief period of weakness during illness, and then feel healthy again.

But for some, symptoms last for weeks or even months. For example, a large study of the long-term effects of COVID-19 shows that people with chronic COVID-19 (called postcoid syndrome) are often unable to return to work at full strength, even six months after the onset of the disease.

It also happens otherwise. A person recovers from COVID-19, starts working again and leads a normal life, but after a while, the consequences of coronavirus infection catch up with him.

Where do mental disorders come from?

There is only one and generally accepted answer: the neurotropenic virus. It also affects the cells of the nervous system - both peripheral (hence, for example, cases of loss of sensitivity in the limbs) and central.

Scientists have not yet figured out exactly what mechanisms lead to the development of neurological disorders after infection with coronavirus. But they admit that this topic requires urgent research.

Does the nervous system recover after covid

In general, yes. Many people who have experienced neurological and mental impairment after suffering from COVID-19 regain their strength and ability to work and study.

However, when it comes to recovering intelligence, scientists have no idea how quickly cognitive abilities can return to normal. The authors of the work on post-hoop IQ decline shrug their shoulders and insist on the need for additional research.

There is one more perplexing nuance. The link between COVID-19 and mental health problems is two-way. Here's one simple example.

People with schizophrenia are up to 10 times more likely to contract COVID-19 than those without mental illness.

That is, mental problems lead to an increased risk of contracting coronavirus. And that, in turn, aggravates mental problems. It looks like a vicious circle.

How all this will turn out in the near future, scientists do not yet know. But we are already confident that massive mental health problems will continue even after the pandemic is over.

What to do about it

Science does not yet know how to treat postcoid anxiety, depression and decreased intelligence. Scientists have not yet figured out exactly which mechanisms lead to the development of such disorders. So today, doctors only offer symptomatic treatment. It hurts - pain relievers are prescribed. No strength to cope with anxiety - psychotherapy is recommended.

Therefore, for those who are faced with the consequences of COVID-19, only a few tips can be given.

Realize that what happens to you is expected

If everything falls out of hand, there is not enough strength to work, apathy overcame - the problem is not in you. This is how the residual manifestations of the disease look.

Unfortunately, you cannot insure yourself against them. One can only know about such a probable effect and try to survive it. With the help of relatives and, if possible, a psychotherapist.

Give yourself time to recover

Recovery is needed after any viral infection - even a common cold. After COVID-19, getting back to your daily routine can be more difficult. Don't blame yourself.

Try to negotiate a schedule that is comfortable for you with your employer. Sleep at least 8 hours a day, eat well, walk more and breathe fresh air. Gradually it will become easier for you.

See a therapist

If you understand that you cannot cope with anxiety, apathy, depression, cognitive difficulties on your own, be sure to see your doctor. The therapist will advise on how to alleviate the condition, prescribe the necessary medications. Or refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist or psychotherapist.

Do everything to avoid getting COVID-19 again

Re-infection can cause an even more devastating blow to the nervous system. Try to protect yourself: avoid crowded, poorly ventilated areas, wash your hands more often, keep your distance when dealing with other people in person.

And get vaccinated. This is the most effective way to protect against COVID-19 and its consequences today.