#COVID-19 and anxiety

[livingwellnessblog]

Understanding OCD: Beyond Cleanliness and Perfection

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition often oversimplified. Beyond the common themes like contamination or perfectionism, there exists a spectrum of obsessions and compulsions.

Understanding OCD: Beyond Cleanliness and Perfection Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that often gets reduced to stereotypes of excessive cleanliness and organization. While these aspects do represent a subtype of OCD, this disorder is far more complex, with a range of lesser-known themes that impact individuals profoundly. What is an OCD Theme? In essence, OCD…

[ask-an-epidemiologist]

Why "COVID anxiety" is not an actual disorder

In psychiatric terms, a phobia is considered as such if, and only if, it is unreasonable. So, an average person experiencing panic attacks at the sight of bees would be considered to have a phobia, because they are more afraid than the risk bees present to them.

However, a person with a fatal allergy to bee stings would not be considered apiphobic. This is because, with the risk of death bees present to them, having panic attacks is considered a rational reaction.

I'm sure you can already understand my point.

COVID not only can kill you (particularly if you're medically vulnerable), but it can cause severe disability. Even ignoring that people who have had COVID in the last three weeks are 81 times likelier to die of cardiac events than uninfected people, survivors of COVID are also 40% likelier to develop neurological sequelae. Rates of POTS or other dysautonomias (dysfunctions of the autonomous nervous system, which can be anywhere from "uncomfortable" to "rendering a patient bedridden") are through the roof, and neurologists are finding huge increases in the under-45 demographic of their dementia patients- a demographic that was previously extremely rare.

If someone wears protective eyewear while welding because they don't want to be blinded by an arc flash, we consider that a normal and reasonable precaution. So why are people who mask being labeled as "anxious about COVID" considering that this virus will very likely disable them if not kill them outright?

"COVID anxiety" is a rational behavior, not a medical diagnosis- so why are we treating it as one? Simple: it's another politicization of medicine. Just as "hysteria" was used to silence women, and lobotomization was used to subjugate inconvenient people (especially of rival political affiliations), "COVID anxiety" is being used to silence those who refuse to cooperate with the false narrative that COVID is over and/or no big deal. The very sight of a mask is a stark reminder to medical officials and laymen alike that they should be doing something they aren't. It's why some doctors aren't even "letting" chemo patients, one of the most severely immunocompromised demographics, do this. Because even though they are carefully avoiding a lot more illnesses than COVID, the sight of the mask still makes the doctor think of the COVID precautions they are ignoring first and foremost.

That is to say, "COVID anxiety" is a punitive diagnosis made by doctors when they are angry at the discomfort they feel when their patients remind them of their utter inadequacy, and they created this solely to stigmatize and demean patients to ensure they wouldn't subvert the expected power dynamic again.

Zero competent medical professionals actually use this terminology for their patients, and if yours uses it for you, run, don't walk, to a new clinic. Helping you is a secondary goal at best for your doctor.

[artemis-pendragon]

My brother who I spent all weekend with tested positive for Covid yesterday but my nasal swab was negative so they kept me at work and this morning my nasal swab was still negative but I had the Intuition™ and tested a sample hacked up from my lungs and yep!!!! Positive!!! Just not enough virus in my upper respiratory tract for the home test to detect 😭 so anyway moral of the story is that my work better never hit me with the "it's actually not as contagious as people say and usually doesn't infect all members of a household!" bullshit ever again lmaooooo do not doubt my devotion to epidemiology girl I know this shit like the veins in the back of my hand. ANYWAY. I have Covid help

[captainsavre]

I hate being alone. Carina DeLuca || Station 19 (4.02 Wild World)

[queercatboys]

PSA Since everyone’s favourite virus is doing the rounds again:

If you’re on antidepressants, anti-anxiety or anti-psychosis medications, be very careful with anti-inflammatory drugs!

Some of the most common anti-depressants, including Prozac, Lexapro and Zoloft can be almost completely nullified by simple anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or diclofenac. COVID-19 is already an exhausting and depressing illness to have, so trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to suddenly lose all effectiveness from your regular medications on top of that.

Doctors are very overworked this time of year and might make mistakes, so be sure to be extra aware of what you’re taking. It might spare you a lot of grief

[coupleofdays]

A few years ago, I decided that I would make a real effort to become more social, instead of spending most of my free time sitting at home. I was going to find ways to socialize, byt finding local groups doing stuff I'm interested in, by visiting conventions, maybe try going to concerts or clubs. Maybe even *gasp* try dating. There's a part of me who often tries to push against these ideas, coming up with excuses to stay at home instead, but I was going to do my damndest to fight against it, argue against it, or simply ignore it, because I had a genuine longing to not just sit at home, alone.

Then the Covid pandemic started.

And now, that antisocial part of me has the perfect excuse, that I'm having a really hard time arguing against.

"Oh sure, you can join a group or go to a convention, but is it really worth the hassle? You wouldn't want to endanger anyone else, would you? You'll have to wear a mask constantly (and if you start to go out regularly, that's a whole lot of masks you gotta buy!), always make sure to wash your hands if you happen to touch it, always try to keep your distance, never letting your guard down for an instant. Oh, and try to make sure that all meetings you attend are outdoors too, because being indoors with other people increases the risk!"

"And even then, even if you do everything you can perfectly, if you take every possible precaution, you'll still have the nagging knowledge that it's not 100% safe, that you might be endangering everyone around you despite your best efforts (especially since most people around you doesn't seem to care about masking anyway, and your social anxiety makes it so you don't want to bring the mood down by arguing about it). Wouldn't it be easier to just stay home and play videogames all day, and then go to bed and fall asleep while worrying about dying alone?"

[n3bulas-and-satelites]

Ya bitch just tested positive for COVID for the first time.

I am going to quarantine until we can't afford to anymore. (Which is really like, one more business day). generally take home like $15 an hour.

If y'all wanna toss me tips to cover a couple of days next week, I won't say no. I may in fact cry with thanks.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

A COVID-19 infection can bring on depression or anxiety months after physical symptoms go away

It can take weeks, months or even longer to physically recover from COVID-19. But if you still feel “not right” after the coughing, fever, congestion and other symptoms have gone away, there could be reason for it.

The virus may have affected your mental health.

“We know that viral infections like the flu can lead to post-viral depression,” says psychiatrist Jack Owens, MD. “It makes sense — and ongoing research is showing — that some people develop depression, anxiety or other mental health issues after they’ve had COVID-19.”

What exactly is the connection? Dr. Owens shares what we know.

Can COVID-19 cause depression? In short, yes, COVID-19 can cause depression.

A study found that people with no prior history of a mental health disorder were up to 8% more likely to develop depression, anxiety or other mental health symptoms within two weeks to three months after a COVID-19 infection. The risk was twice as high in those who already had a mental health disorder.

Other research indicates that many people experience mental health issues six months after being ill:

About 90% of people (9 in 10) who were hospitalized with COVID-19 About 25% (1 in 4) in nonhospitalized adults The risk of depression remains high for up to a year after a COVID-19 illness, regardless of your past mental health history.

“Even people who feel fine physically may find themselves struggling to sleep, concentrate or enjoy life the way they used to before they got COVID-19,” notes Dr. Owens.

5 ways COVID-19 causes depression We know that stress and isolation during the pandemic negatively impacted mental health. But researchers are now examining the connection between COVID-19 and depression, beyond the effects of the pandemic.

Dr. Owens shares five factors that may be at play, as well as steps to take if you develop post-viral depression.

1. Inflammation Inflammation may cause changes in your brain that trigger depression or anxiety.

Here’s how.

COVID-19 causes your immune system to flood your body with chemicals called cytokines. A “cytokine storm” can cause inflammation throughout your body, including your brain.

Studies suggest that people with high levels of cytokines are more likely to have a severe case of COVID-19, as well as develop a mental health disorder.

2. Damage to brain cells The COVID-19 virus and the inflammation it causes may damage brain cells (neurons) and supportive cells (glial cells) that are crucial for brain activity and repair.

Researchers believe this damage may contribute to depression, anxiety and COVID-19 symptoms, like:

Brain fog COVID-19 fatigue Memory loss 3. Lowered mood-boosting chemicals One study found that people with long COVID had lower levels of serotonin — a natural mood booster that’s key to regulating emotions, memory and other brain functions.

People with long COVID have symptoms like headaches and difficulty thinking that last for three months or longer.

“You may get anxious and depressed if it’s months after your illness ‘should be’ over and you still feel unwell,” Dr. Owens says.

Depression and anxiety occur frequently in people with long COVID. So much so that many experts now consider them to be long COVID symptoms, rather than a result of having the illness.

4. Effects on blood sugar Another study showed that COVID-19 affected the brain’s ability to use blood sugar (glucose).

Blood sugar is your brain’s primary source of energy. Study participants with lower-than-usual blood sugar levels had pain, insomnia, memory issues and other persistent symptoms up to three weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Altogether, these conditions can also play a role in developing mental health issues.

5. Impacts on your life In addition to the biological effects of COVID-19, being sick can lead to financial worries due to missed work and medical bills. It can be isolating. And stressful. All of which can trigger mental health concerns.

“People who don’t have the financial means or social support to see them through an illness may have a higher risk for depression or anxiety after they recover,” Dr. Owens shares.

Signs of post-COVID depression Depression after COVID-19 causes the same symptoms as depression without illness — with a few exceptions.

“Some people with post-virus depression may feel guilty or blame themselves for getting sick,” Dr. Owens points out.

Other common signs of depression include:

Appetite changes that may lead to unintended weight loss or gain Changes to facial expressions, such as being slow to smile Difficulty concentrating, thinking or remembering (brain fog) Fatigue or low energy Feelings of hopelessness Loss of interest in activities that usually bring joy Poor sleep (insomnia) In some instances, severe depression can lead to:

Self-harm Substance misuse or abuse Suicidal ideation Signs of post-COVID anxiety The signs of anxiety and COVID-induced anxiety are also similar.

Dr. Owens notes that someone who develops anxiety after COVID-19 may worry about getting sick again or developing long COVID. If you were hospitalized, you may keep thinking about or reliving the hospital experience.

Other signs of anxiety include:

Difficulty relaxing or enjoying oneself Feeling nervous, restless or on edge (irritable) Poor or unusual responses to stressful situations Slowed thinking. Help for post-COVID depression Get help if depression symptoms negatively impact your life or persist for two weeks. Your primary care provider can be a good first step and may help you find a therapist or psychiatrist.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may benefit from therapy, such as psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications, like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, or a combination of the two.

These steps can also help protect your mental health when you’re sick with COVID-19 or recovering:

Eat nutritious foods that fight inflammation. Find healthy ways to relieve stress. Improve your sleep. Limit alcohol. Practice meditation, mindfulness or restorative yoga. Stop doomscrolling. Get well soon(er) The stress of being sick with COVID-19 can make you feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s common to feel worried, sad or tired when you’re not feeling well. Be kind to yourself and give your body and mind time to heal.

“Your physical and mental health greatly affect each other,” Dr. Owens reminds us. “Most people feel better mentally as COVID-induced inflammation and other physical symptoms subside. If that’s not true for you, talk to your provider so you can get the care you need.”

Study: www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(20)30462-4/fulltext

[sl33py-g4m3r]

proud of myself

feel like I shouldn't be proud of this; but I am. I feel I shouldn't because it's just normal people stuff to do in the world...

goes to show how I've let anxiety have a chokehold on me for quite a good chunk of my life.

the hang up was just my vision and that the shop had remodeled so there wasn't the signs stating what's there on the windows for the ingredients. as I've stated many other times, I'm legally blind. Left eye has some vision that's very bad, right eye has none and is scar tissue. idk if that's relevant to the post at all tho...

glad anxiety didn't kick me during this today~~ that was kind of nice. cute little sandwich shop~~

Ordered my own sandwich at a sandwich shop~~!! and even got brave enough to ask about a couple cookies. still unfortunately said sorry a lot during tho...

vegetarian sandwich on cheese and herb bread with a garlic aioli. was really good~~~ spinach got wilted a bit and not crisp... but was good regardless~~

didn't realize it at the time but I guess the pandemic years affected everyone huh? I went from walking to the park in town, and to the convenience store alone, to, not going outside unless it was to my siblings place or to appointments, go shopping, take garbage out, get mail... and that was it...

Now I wish my anxiety would chill out enough for me to start walking to the park and around town again.

the "nothing changed" thing I thought of about covid in that my lifestyle hadn't changed, was in fact, incorrect. It had changed, I just hadn't noticed it until it bit me in the ass.

I still mask; I still will continue to wear masks, cause even if you aren't sick, it could prevent germs you have from getting anyone else sick. It's the polite thing to do at this point given we've been doing it for 4 years now. imo covid still exists, it's still mutating, we still need to be careful about it.

tl;dr, day with the family, ordered my own sandwich~~!! today was a good day~~ suck it anxiety~~!! we got a tasty sandwich cause you didn't get in the way~~!! wooooooo~~!!!

sleeping patterns still very weird now~~ i go to bed~~~

[starfox313]

Rant Time:

My manager knowingly came into work with covid. She claimed no one would be able to cover her shift because in her words "no one ever does". That being said, we work retail and come into close proximity with babies, children, and the elderly a lot. That's a pretty big risk already. She also knows that my immune system isn't the strongest, and you could practically sneeze in my direction, and I'd get sick. Now as if that wasn't enough, my manager claims she cleaned everything and sanitized. I went into work and determined from the layer of dust on everything that she actually hadn't done that. I then made sure to sanitize literally every surface because I didn't want to risk anything. I thought I was going to be in the clear, but lo and behold, yesterday I woke up with a fever. I took an at home covid test last night, and it was positive. Three guesses where I caught it. Now I'm calling out of work today and tomorrow (and possibly Sunday) because I don't want to put anyone else at risk. I also want to give myself time to heal and feel better. My manager has been texting me about this and getting obviously annoyed with me for calling out. And it's been making me mad because it's her fault I'm sick in the first place. She was irresponsible and exposed me and countless others. In turn, I ended up exposing others too. Yet she has still been trying to get me to come into my shifts at work. I've been keeping her updated with my symptoms including having a 101°F fever today. It's to the point that I flat out told her I will not be coming into work until I'm fever free for 24 hours, and I'm not at risk of infecting others. I'm able to miss three shifts without a doctor's note or any potential consequences at least. But the whole situation just makes me angry and frustrated.

[bandomfandombeyond]

being the only person masking at work is like being a spazzy auDHD kid in elementary school all over again:

everyone is laughing & chatting happily until you walk up, and then it all stops very obviously. a few people may offer a small hello, usually the "teacher" (boss) and a few of the nicer kids, but you've clearly disrupted group flow as people break into smaller conversation amongst themselves but, conspicuously, no one chooses to talk to you.

[fuckyeahstylesp]

The last few months of my life have been…

Traumatizing, eye opening, depressing, and genuinely terrifying.

A few months ago my 11 year old daughter nearly died after contracting COVID & pneumonia simultaneously. Her body shut down and in that moment it felt like the world paused just for us.

All of the stuff I was busy obsessing and worried over the months prior seemed so minuscule now. My kids mean the world to me. I mean, they are the sole reason I’m alive today. I mean that truly.

I have suffered so much loss over the last 5 years that the idea of losing my daughter paralyzed me. I’ve been there for so many people, but in that moment I realized I was so deeply alone and frightened. It’s too soon.. even now I’m still unable to type most of my thoughts out.

I just wanted to come on here and say - please love on your loved ones, because nothing is guaranteed.

Im starting this new journey alone, with my two kiddos.. I pray that Allah gives me strength. I pray for my kids future.

[artemis-pendragon]

Not my roommate stomping upstairs and slamming the door in annoyance after I told them I'm gonna wear a mask around them because they had a COVID exposure LMFAOOOOO literally am I insane. Like am I going insane. How are THEY annoyed at ME.

[panicismydefaultstate]

Being chronically ill and developing new symptoms and illnesses can be terribly and unendingly frustrating. Particularly when you go to Drs and they refuse to do anything about it or even consider that something else or new is wrong. The fear and overwhelming feeling that something is so terribly wrong in your body, only to have no one care or think it’s important enough to investigate.

[cherrysnax]

trying not to post too much during the strike to keep focus on Everything but I need to get out of my head a lil

[talkativetrashpanda]

Things are going well lately, my health is improving, I’m getting good reports, my aunt and uncle are doing ok, and Emma (my poodle) is doing ok as well.

And I’m scared shitless.

I’m scared because nothing ever stays good for long. Literally every time I’ve thought “things are turning around!” Something horrible happens. I’m in constant fear of waiting for the other shoe to drop. It’s like in a horror movie when you KNOW something scary is coming, and you’re anxious and terrified waiting for it.

Plus, I KNOW the bad things are coming. We were given an estimate of 12-14 months with Emma and we’re at sixteen. My uncle is 90. My aunt is on hospice. So I KNOW I’ll be dealing with those things and it’s making it hard to enjoy the good things now.

Plus I’m coming up on a year exactly from when I got really sick. I had double covid pneumonia and ended up in the hospital on oxygen. I literally thought I was going to die. And up until I got sick, I’d been improving, much like I am now. Then I got sick and was even worse than before.

I’ve made so much progress and I’m absolutely terrified of losing it again. I went downhill so fast and undid all my work for recovery. I have nightmares about getting sick again. I live in constant terror of getting sick again. And the rest of the world has moved on and forgotten covid but I can’t.

Things are better than they’ve been in three years and I’m more anxious than before. Medical ptsd is real and unfortunately not often recognized. I think approaching the anniversary date has really triggered my anxiety and stress. It doesn’t help that I have two surgeries coming up too. They should hopefully help and improve my health even more. But going back into the hospital, even temporarily, terrifies me. The IVs, the pain, the bleeding… I have to stop before I get myself too anxious to sleep.