Any long haulers develop new onset of depression? What helps?

I have a history of depression but oddly enough what I notice since having long Covid is an increase in anxiety. Has anyone noticed this?

Hi @mdawn, this must be such a struggle to see your husband’s multiple complications with long Covid and now depression and mood swings. A few members have talked about the worsening of previously existing depression and new onset of depression with Covid in this related discussion:
- Dealing with Post Covid making depression worse, anyone else? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dealing-with-post-covid

Melissa, are your husband’s mood swings and depression something new for him or did he have experience with depression before long haul covid?

@colleenyoung I am on 2 meds for depression and they help..kept changing til we found ones that helped..I avoid all things that might depress me..TV news, friends with problems and anything sad..but the best thing I found is sun light! I have to walk my dog ..not far because of fatigue..and we go to a bench by a small pond and just sit and soak up the sun..being outside helps me from feeling closed in by 4 walls..

@suefish @taunya6543 once in a while a nasty dream/argument/

I have this happen sometimes, but so far I can work with it by thinking of something positive. What gets me more about Long Covid is brain farts when I’m trying to explain something and/or really aggravating dry mouth which never seems to go away. Good luck.

@suefish BRAIN FOG is the most frustrating!!! Words just aren't there...

Hi @taunya6543 and @suefish. Cant recall if I already commented🙃 If I may further add the extra layer of others saying you sound fine without being in your brain knowing how hard and frustrating just to find and use words that are not what you wanted yet others dont know that, changes the original real need!, and explaining/dealing with aftermath of opposite needed reaction is why this supportive group needed. Quickest healing to all🌈

Hi @taunya6543 and @suefish. Cant recall if I already commented🙃 If I may further add the extra layer of others saying you sound fine without being in your brain knowing how hard and frustrating just to find and use words that are not what you wanted yet others dont know that, changes the original real need!, and explaining/dealing with aftermath of opposite needed reaction is why this supportive group needed. Quickest healing to all🌈

@kprcyan42, I am so sorry for what you’ve endured, and please know you’re not alone. I’ve had a TIA, but don’t know when I had it. I suspect it occurred the first time I had Covid, and I didn’t see or feel any symptoms because I slept for almost 5 days. Because all my Long Covid symptoms have improved except brain fog, memory, loss, anxiety, and heat intolerance. I suspect the TIA or Covid damaged brain cells and as a result, I’ll never see the brain fog and memory loss improve. I was even tested in 2022 for dementia, and didn’t have it or any of the other brain disorders I was tested for. All the doctor could say was, “It must be Long Covid.” Fortunately, I retired before I had Covid, but was a very active retiree. I volunteered in a nonprofit office, which I had to give up when I couldn’t recall what I was supposed to do or how to do something as simple as filing invoices. I sang in the choir, but had to drop out because reading music became so difficult. I have a degree in music, and never expected that. Having a conversation is still difficult because I know what I want to say, but can’t find the words to say it. All this increases my anxiety, sometimes to the point of a panic attack. And due to geat intolerance, I can’t even play outside with my grandchildren if it’s over 80 degrees, which happens a lot here in Alabama. Like you, I’ve also had to proof and correct this message several times, because brain fog keeps me from writing anything correctly the first time. My issues aren’t as severe as yours, but I understand why your depression would be so bad. I can’t get off my antidepressants - I’ve tried. But at least they give me somewhat of a lift. I pray you find help and improvement soon!