Long COVID : the impact of symptoms on mental health
Long COVID symptoms, experience by approximately 20% of people who contract the virus, are one of the most enduring consequences of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. For those who were affected by the virus, their difficulties did not end with their initial infection, but continued with symptoms lasting weeks, even months, which eventually might impact their mental health.
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What is the definition of long COVID?
Also called « post-COVID syndrome », long COVID can affect adults as much as children. It is different from COVID-19. It cannot be diagnosed until 12 weeks after the initial phase of COVID-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes long COVID as:
« long-term symptoms that some people experience after they have had COVID-19. [...] These symptoms might persist from their initial illness or develop after their recovery. »
What are the symptoms of long COVID?
Long COVID includes a wide variety of symptoms that differ from one person to another. Here are some examples:
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Intense fatigue
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Breathlessness or difficulty breathing
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Post-effort unease : heightened symptoms after effort
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Muscle and joint pain
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Thoracic pain
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Persistent cough
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Cognitive problems (brain fog)
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Memory loss
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Loss of taste or smell
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Sleep problems
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Anxiety and depression
These manifestations can greatly impact quality of life, mental health, and ability to work or participate in daily activities.
Suicide risk and long COVID
Some long COVID symptoms can resemble those associated with mental health problems like depression or anxiety. Additionally, a concerning aspect of long COVID is its potential link with heightened suicidal thoughts. Indeed, studies show that some symptoms of COVID are associated with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
Therefore, it is especially important for the people who are affected and their loved ones to look out for these signs and take care of their mental health.
How many people are affected by long COVID?
To this day, Statistics Canada estimates that around 1.4 million adults are affected by long COVID.
Misunderstanding and stigmatisation
In addition to the difficult symptoms, long COVID is also misunderstood by part of the population. Even though it is recognized by the WHO since October 2021, many believe it is not a real problem. This creates a lack of recognition and contributes to stigmatisation of those who are affected.
There is also a lot of confusion around this relatively recent syndrome. There is a lack of clarity in the distinction between long COVID and other diseases like Lyme’s disease, fibromyalgia, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Indeed, nearly half of those experiencing long COVID also develop myalgic encephalomyelitis.
To this day, there is also no specific treatment for long COVID. It’s a complex syndrome, particularly because of the diversity of symptoms between each person affected. This uncertainty can cause a lot of frustration and despair.
What should I do if I think I have long COVID?
If you think you are suffering from long COVID, it is important to consult a doctor. A diagnosis can be given at least 12 weeks after the initial phase of COVID-19.
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What can I do to feel better?
Even though no official treatment exists today, research is ongoing to better understand this syndrome.
At the moment, symptom self-management is recommended to take care of yourself. Symptom self-management includes any behaviours and actions aimed at diminishing symptoms or living with them. These self-care behaviours aim to give you power back over your health, prevent relapses, and improve wellbeing.
Symptom self-care tools have been developped by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest to help better live with symptoms.
If you have symptoms related to your mental health, you can use the self-assessment to help you check on your wellbeing and receive a summary of your responses. This can be a starting point to understanding how you feel.
If you are thinking about suicide, you can find useful information on suicide.ca.
What resources exist for long COVID?
Consulting a health professional
It is essential to consult a doctor if you think you have long COVID. If you do not have a family doctor, you can sign up for the waiting list at the Québec Family Doctor Finder.
There is also a network of clinics specialized in long COVID in different regions.
Support groups
Support groups, online or in person, can be a place where you can share your experience with other people living with long COVID. These groups can help get advice, break isolation, and exchange in a supportive environment.
Mental health and suicide prevention
To speak to a responder who is specialized in suicide prevention, consult suicide.ca :
You can also call the Quebec suicide prevention line :
Loved ones can also be affected
Even though long COVID is not contagious, it can have an impact on loved ones. It can be difficult to know how to support someone who is living with long COVID. Here is some advice depending on your situation:
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Accompany your loved one to their medical appointments. Ask questions and take notes. Advocate for them when they are not able to do so themselves.
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Stay informed on new information and recommendations concerning long COVID.
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Maintain a social support network you can talk to and who can provide you with support.
Long COVID is a complexe syndrome and many people suffer with it. Its répercussions on mental health should not be underestimated. Recognizing the link between long COVID and suicide risk is essential to providing support to those who need it.
