Vaccine Efficacy for those with Chronic Anxiety and Mental Illness

We know that depression, anxiety and underlying conditions can effect immune response, but I would not be overly concerned about one episode.
Are you experiencing any after-effects from the vaccine such as headache, fever, aches, fatigue, etc? These reactions would be evidence that your immune system is stepping up to do its job.
Sue

Thank you for replying Sue! I have read that as well about depression and anxiety weakening the immune system. I guess I'm concerned and a bit angry because I had been so careful this entire pandemic and the first shot went great. I was fully ready for the second and came home feeling amazing. It was that 2-3 hours later when an unforeseen event sent me into first anger and fear and then major panic and anxiety. It was mostly continuous for about 12 hours till I went to bed. The anxiety persisted all through today, so about 4 days thus far. The kind of anxiety where you can't breathe, shaking inside, nausea, etc... I got very worried immediately after the initial anxiety started because I know it could affect the vaccine and immunity. That led to more anger, anxiety and feeling like I am no longer protected from Covid like I should have been. Anyone with anxiety knows how this never ending loop goes! I did start medication today which has helped a bit. I am hoping that since it takes a couple weeks to even create the immunity (from what I read) that my immune system can calm down and still create ample antibodies to that 95% efficacy.

As for the side effects. The first shot was just a very sore arm. The second dose I developed a sore arm within a couple hours and then the next day had muscle pain and headache which lasted only a couple hours and a REALLY sore arm. I'm much better today. I apologize for the long reply. I was going to message you but thought this could help others if they had questions as well. Thank you!

Thank you for replying Sue! I have read that as well about depression and anxiety weakening the immune system. I guess I'm concerned and a bit angry because I had been so careful this entire pandemic and the first shot went great. I was fully ready for the second and came home feeling amazing. It was that 2-3 hours later when an unforeseen event sent me into first anger and fear and then major panic and anxiety. It was mostly continuous for about 12 hours till I went to bed. The anxiety persisted all through today, so about 4 days thus far. The kind of anxiety where you can't breathe, shaking inside, nausea, etc... I got very worried immediately after the initial anxiety started because I know it could affect the vaccine and immunity. That led to more anger, anxiety and feeling like I am no longer protected from Covid like I should have been. Anyone with anxiety knows how this never ending loop goes! I did start medication today which has helped a bit. I am hoping that since it takes a couple weeks to even create the immunity (from what I read) that my immune system can calm down and still create ample antibodies to that 95% efficacy.

As for the side effects. The first shot was just a very sore arm. The second dose I developed a sore arm within a couple hours and then the next day had muscle pain and headache which lasted only a couple hours and a REALLY sore arm. I'm much better today. I apologize for the long reply. I was going to message you but thought this could help others if they had questions as well. Thank you!

Thank you for replying Sue! I have read that as well about depression and anxiety weakening the immune system. I guess I'm concerned and a bit angry because I had been so careful this entire pandemic and the first shot went great. I was fully ready for the second and came home feeling amazing. It was that 2-3 hours later when an unforeseen event sent me into first anger and fear and then major panic and anxiety. It was mostly continuous for about 12 hours till I went to bed. The anxiety persisted all through today, so about 4 days thus far. The kind of anxiety where you can't breathe, shaking inside, nausea, etc... I got very worried immediately after the initial anxiety started because I know it could affect the vaccine and immunity. That led to more anger, anxiety and feeling like I am no longer protected from Covid like I should have been. Anyone with anxiety knows how this never ending loop goes! I did start medication today which has helped a bit. I am hoping that since it takes a couple weeks to even create the immunity (from what I read) that my immune system can calm down and still create ample antibodies to that 95% efficacy.

As for the side effects. The first shot was just a very sore arm. The second dose I developed a sore arm within a couple hours and then the next day had muscle pain and headache which lasted only a couple hours and a REALLY sore arm. I'm much better today. I apologize for the long reply. I was going to message you but thought this could help others if they had questions as well. Thank you!

I know many don’t want to hear this or agree but this just reenforces my resolve not to submit or take any covid vaccines.

I know many don’t want to hear this or agree but this just reenforces my resolve not to submit or take any covid vaccines.

@tykehome I have similar reactions as you. The 1st shot was just a very sore arm. The 2nd shot was a little harder. I have a very sore arm again. Took a few days for it to go away. I have body ache, could be my normal pain that I have even before the vaccine . Low grade temperature for one day. On the third say my heart was racing, long story short, I was ok, my doctors thought it's just the vaccine and my immune system is responding. I think what you feel, the anxiety etc was like an anti climax... We have been isolated for almost a year, then waiting for a vaccine, when it's finally here, we have to wait for our turn. Now what? What's next? I talked my friends about this, we're so glad we finally made it. A couple of days of discomfort is worth it. I hope your anxiety and anger had subsided, don't let them take over you. Take care, we at connect are here for you.

So your reaction tells me your body is responding to the vaccine and making antibodies for you - that's good
.
Sue

@tykehome I have similar reactions as you. The 1st shot was just a very sore arm. The 2nd shot was a little harder. I have a very sore arm again. Took a few days for it to go away. I have body ache, could be my normal pain that I have even before the vaccine . Low grade temperature for one day. On the third say my heart was racing, long story short, I was ok, my doctors thought it's just the vaccine and my immune system is responding. I think what you feel, the anxiety etc was like an anti climax... We have been isolated for almost a year, then waiting for a vaccine, when it's finally here, we have to wait for our turn. Now what? What's next? I talked my friends about this, we're so glad we finally made it. A couple of days of discomfort is worth it. I hope your anxiety and anger had subsided, don't let them take over you. Take care, we at connect are here for you.