Darrick Robles The lockdown is being eased and social life is returning. For some, that’s a reason to celebrate, while others don’t deal with it as well. If the thought of a post-pandemic everyday life causes you worry or anxiety, you are not alone. A Med-Healths doctor and a psychotherapist offer tips on how to best deal with the quick return to normality.
The pandemic has had a major impact on our lives. For many, it has had a profound impact on their mental health.
In a study by the German Depression Aid, 59% of those surveyed stated that they experienced the lockdown as a burden. For those affected by depression, it was even 74%. In a survey of 150 doctors and therapists, 82% said they noticed anxiety in their patients more often. 80% diagnosed depression more often than before .
Recent European research also underlines the enormous impact of the corona crisis on mental health. The fear of the unknown, social isolation, fears about one’s own health and economic insecurity are in the foreground.
As restrictions are eased across Europe, we face the next big challenge – we need to get back to our everyday lives. Med-Healths doctor Dr. Rhianna McClymont and Med-Healths Psychologist Dag Härdfeldt talk about the possible impact of the pandemic on mental health and offer advice on how to deal with anxiety disorders after recovering from Covid-19.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after Covid-19
Recent research suggests that Covid-19 can have psychosomatic consequences that can be classified as post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . However, at this time there is not enough evidence to recognize this post-Covid stress disorder as an official diagnosis.
“Post-Covid-Stress Disorder is probably a form of post-traumatic trauma disorder (PTSD) that developed as a result of a traumatic experience with Covid-19,” explains Dr. McClymont. “This syndrome is characterized by recurring and distressing memories (flashbacks), nightmares, and reliving of the sensations or experiences of the trauma.”
“This seems to be most common in people who have been critically ill with Covid-19 — particularly those who have been in intensive care and fighting for their lives,” says Dr. McClymont. “PTSD symptoms can also occur in people who have had other traumatic experiences related to Covid-19. This includes the loss of a loved one . Health workers who work on the front lines and are exposed to stressful situations can also be affected . ” But PTSD can also occur in people who do not have Covid-19.
What consequences can surviving Covid-19 have for the psyche?
“After surviving corona disease, an increased feeling of hopelessness could arise. It may be more difficult for those affected to look positively into the future,” explains psychologist Dag Härdfeldt.
A study published in the journal The Lancet found that it is estimated that 1 in 3 sufferers also develop neurological symptoms within 6 months of recovery . If you only look at the number of patients with a severe course and treatment in the intensive care unit, this number even increases by 50%.
“We feel like we have less influence because we’re fighting an invisible enemy. A loss of control combined with a high degree of uncertainty can be extremely stressful for the psyche ,” explains Härdfeldt.
For those affected who suffer from long-term effects, also known as long Covid or post-Covid syndrome , the risk of depression and anxiety disorders can be even greater. “One of the main triggers for depression is losing touch with the things that make life intrinsically valuable,” explains Härdfeldt. “Long Covid restrictions and persistent discomfort could significantly increase risk of depression.”
The increase in anxiety disorders and compulsive behavior is also understandable, explains Härdfeldt. “Covid-19 created an atmosphere where we were encouraged to avoid everything as much as possible and to keep washing our hands.”
After the long lockdown of the past few months, some can feel uncomfortable suddenly mingling with larger crowds again.
How do you deal with the fear of life after Corona?
1. Getting enough sleep and time to relax
Self-care and a decelerated lifestyle can help you cope with general fears and worries after Corona.
dr McClymont suggests paying particular attention to sleep quality and limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption. “Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practices are also great ways to train the mind to calm down and reduce anxiety.”
While these small changes may not erase the root causes of your fears, they can be good tools to train your resilience.
2. An opportunity for positive change
“Instead of trying desperately to live the same way you did before the pandemic, try to sort your life out again,” explains Härdfeldt. Experiences like a pandemic force us to confront what really matters – our core values.
For example, you could try to find a better work-life balance. Use this time to really become aware of your most important needs and values and try to discover new possibilities in life and change things that you would not have dared to do before.
3. Don’t pressure yourself
“If you have problems with social anxiety, try to take a benevolent, loving attitude towards yourself internally,” recommends Härdfeldt. After a year of social isolation, it’s understandable that you’re afraid to return to an open plan office or busy public places that you considered normal before the pandemic. Don’t freak out and take it slow.
4. Start social gatherings again step by step
It’s easy to fall into an all-or-nothing mentality, explains Härdfeldt. If you’re not yet comfortable meeting up with friends in crowded bars or restaurants, it might be tempting to avoid socializing altogether. Instead, he recommends thinking about alternatives that feel more manageable.
If you still feel uncomfortable in busy places, why not arrange smaller, private meetings? You could start by inviting just your immediate family over for dinner, or meet up with a small group of friends outside in the beer garden.
5. Get medical help if needed
“If the pandemic has left its mark on you and you are struggling with fears, use the available tools and professional help,” says Härdfeldt.
“For milder symptoms of anxiety, self-help and resources such as online courses, books, or mental health apps can be helpful in managing the symptoms on your own,” said Dr. McClymont.
If you are depressed or anxious, you should seek help. This is especially true for symptoms that affect your everyday life. Talk to a doctor about it. She or he will educate you about the available treatment options. These can include, for example, behavioral therapy or the recommendation of medication to get a grip on fears in the short term.
