Coronavirus: Here's how long COVID depression looks like; these are the key symptoms to know

Among the several ramifications of long COVID, depression is a major one. Many research studies have confirmed the link between long COVID and decline in cognitive health. The growing interest of researchers on this angle and the emerging reports on this, calls for attention to assess the prevalence of adverse mental health conditions, spot the symptoms and address it at the earliest.

The psychological implications of long term COVID are gradually coming to fore in large numbers. Despite this, several cases are being missed out due to lack of awareness.

Research studies have worked on how high anxiety level and depressive manifestations affect the social and personal life of individuals post-COVID.

Here's how long COVID linked depression looks like:

People with insomnia have a higher risk of getting into depression and people with depression and anxiety have trouble sleeping. As per a John Hopkins report, "People with insomnia , for example, may have a tenfold higher risk of developing depression than people who get a good night’s sleep. And among people with depression, 75 percent have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. "

Sleep patterns have been disturbed during COVID pandemic, no doubt. The immediate switch from office to work from home; exposure to more screen time, and limited outdoor activities hampered the normal sleep pattern of individuals.

But years later, sleep disturbance is still one of the major issues people face. In long COVID, in which the long term effect of the COVID is seen in people weeks and months after the infection, sleeping issues is a major symptom.

Post-traumatic stress disorder after recovery from COVID has been correlated to sleep problems in many individuals.

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If after the infection and after fully recovering from COVID, you notice difficulties in concentrating on regular routine, you should get treated.

Lack of concentration can be towards your job activities, or your normal routine at home.

Do not ignore it if you are unable to find the pen you had kept 5 minutes before or if you are unable to recall what you packed for lunch in the morning. These signs should always be paid attention.

Long COVID affects the cognitive health of the infected individual and difficulty in concentration is one of those.

The lack of interest to socialise with people though is a good preventive measure, but can also be a sign of long COVID related depression.

The fear of catching coronavirus outside and the panic associated with the infection keeps many indoors.

Though COVID has affected outdoor activities, it is necessary to step out in a while.

Other symptoms like the following are also seen in patients having depression due to long COVID:

• lack of self-esteem
• fatigue
• feelings of hopelessness
• spells of sadness
• frequent spells of anxiety
• panic attacks

Nobody knows when long COVID starts or till when one can expect it to linger. The symptoms of long COVID just remain and wane on its own.

It is therefore essential to observe all the behavioural changes. Depression is often unseen and untraced. The one who is depressed does not always feel it that way. There are few characteristic signs of depression, for example sleeplessness.

If you are having difficulty sleeping, do not overlook it. Take medical assistance and eradicate the situation as early as possible.

Always remember, nothing is incurable once the right treatment begins.