COVID-19 has impacted people in many ways, including their mental health. It is widely known that the virus can take a heavy toll on the body, but new research shows that patients are also 60% more likely to suffer mental and emotional problems in the year following their infection.
Problems being reported by COVID patients include anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder, illicit drug and alcohol use disorders, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, and difficulties thinking in concentrating.
Although it’s not yet clear how the virus affects the brain, researchers believe the damage is done as COVID-19 enters brain cells. The virus can enter the brain and cause various problems, including the elevation of inflammatory markers, the disruption of neuron connections, disruption of signalling, and changes in the architecture of the brain. These changes in the brain may also explain the brain fog or neurocognitive decline that many patients also report.
For the study, researchers used a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs database to collect information on nearly 154,000 adults who had COVID-19 from March 1, 2020, through January 15, 2021. This data was compared to mental health outcomes with almost 6 million people who did not have COVID-19 and another 6 million people from before the pandemic began.
It was found that people who had COVID-19 were 35% more likely to suffer from anxiety and nearly 40% more likely to suffer from depression or stress-related disorders. There was also a 55% increase in the use of antidepressants and a 65% increase in benzodiazepines to treat anxiety among these patients.
Researchers also noted that these patients were 41% more likely to have sleep disorders and 80% more likely to have thinking declines, including confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus.
It was clear that the risk for mental problems is tied to the severity of the COVID-19 infection. Those with a mild case were 27% more likely to develop mental problems, while those with severe infection were 45% more likely to do so. These risks have never been seen before with other diseases such as influenza.
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the lead researcher, said, “Physicians really need to understand that COVID-19 is a risk factor for these problems. So,§ definitely ask about mental health, ask about sleep, ask about pain. Most importantly, diagnose these conditions early and address them before they become much, much worse crises down the road.”
Mental Health Issues
If you have been suffering from sleep problems or depression, or anxiety, you’re not alone. Thousands of people have been reporting mental health issues after contracting COVID-19.
Apart from COVID-19, other numerous factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. The brain is under constant attack from stress and environmental factors along with the typical effects of the aging process.
These attacks on the brain highlight the importance of maintaining and supporting healthy cognitive function. The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory with its unique formula of ingredients. The nine ingredients included in The Smart Pill can help to nourish, support, and maximize brain health and cognitive function. These beneficial ingredients can also help to boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist cognitive function.
No matter if you have had COVID-19 or not, it is vital to take the steps necessary to keep the brain functioning at its peak performance.