Dealing with Post Covid making depression worse, anyone else?

Welcome @pschneider11. I'm glad you found the group here - a place where you will find understanding and people who "get it". Having an autoimmune condition sure can compound symptoms. As a healthcare worker, I'm sure you're used to be the caregiver - at work and at home. How are the people around you adjusting to the shift in your role and your needing to take care of yourself first?

I'm retired, live alone and am a cancer survivor with anxiety/depression. I'm afraid to leave the house, except to go for a walk...and now it's too cold for even that. My mental health is in danger. Every morning and sometimes in the night, I wake up with andrenaline shakes. Covid has wrecked my life, even though I haven't had it.

Sending you strength to get thru this. I completely understand. I'm hibernating and not going anywhere, and the isolation has taken its toll mentally. Just started another anti-anxiety medication. Share your feelings with as many friends or family that you can do you don't feel so alone. Going thru this is sooo hard. I know. Let us know if you are able to get medication from your physician to help. 💕🤗👍🏼

Having auditory hallucinations is not all that uncommon. What has your doctor said?

I have not had COVID, nor any of the variants, and I am so grateful for that. I am fully vaccinated, including the booster. Due to health issues that include end-stage kidney disease, and being on chemo for multiple myeloma, I am considered immune-compromised to a big degree. All this while dealing with chronic depression.

So, what do I do? To preserve what little bits of sanity that seem to remain hidden in the corners of my mind, I dutifully take my anti-depressive every night. Actively search for at least one joyful moment everyday. Write, then write some more. Delve into crafts that have inspired me in the past, letting them "carry me away" again. Try something new. Marvel at all the shades of green the world has to offer [as someone who is so visual, colors fascinate me!]. And reach out, as so many of us have done. We cannot be together face-to-face, but we can be virtually present and helpful for each other. Our imaginations can put us in the same room, around the same big kitchen table as we sip beverage of choice, nibble on a cookie, and discuss what to do. This is the best thing for me, believe me! Isolating as we have to do, it is so critical to know there are others who feel like us right?
Ginger

Thank you for your kind reply. I don't have a PCP, and thus no access to meds. I try various supplements (GABA, ashwagandah, L-theanine) which sometimes seem to help a bit.
I wonder if anyone reading this thread can recommend any other otc products that might help?

Please try to get a PCP thru the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, your local community health center--anywhere. Your life could depend upon it. 💕

Again, thank you. I have excellent insurance. My lack of a current PCP is a choice. Your tone, while intended to be helpful, I'm sure, is threatening. Please choose your words carefully.

Esikora, I'm confident that @linamend's message comes from a place of kindness and caring. The guiding priniciples of Mayo Clinic Connect create a community that is safe, supportive, inclusive, and respectful (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/). Naturally, we only have words to communicate without the benefit of enhancing our messages with tone of voice or body language.

May I ask why you choose to not have a primary care provider? Bringing this discussion back on topic, do you have a trusted mental health provider?

Thank you Colleen. I do care.