Post-Covid anxiety and depression

[Anonymous]

I'm a month out from my first bout with Covid, and my anxiety (already a problem before) is sky-high. I'm spiraling. I was already on an SSRI and have Ativan to use as needed, but this is like nothing else. I do have a psychiatrist and am working with him, as well as with my GP. I suspect I have some depression as well. I know post-Covid anxiety and depression are real, possibly due to brain inflammation, which is scary as shit. I'm looking for hope. Anyone go through this and have it abate? I'm barely functioning.

[Anonymous]

I went through this after a terrible bout of COVID in the fall of 2022. Interestingly, my worst symptom by far was a splitting headache.

I would suggest beginning a meditation practice. However, anxiety is a cycle and once you've spiraled up, you will need time to heal and feel the wave abate.

It absolutely will pass. Trust that.

[Anonymous]

OP: Thank you. I'm in such despair. I will try meditating.

[Anonymous]

Yes, mine abated. I thought I was losing my mind. Dialing back on caffeine and on nonmandatory social obligations, not watching the news, meditation and walking in nature helped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, mine abated. I thought I was losing my mind. Dialing back on caffeine and on nonmandatory social obligations, not watching the news, meditation and walking in nature helped.

+1. I became super sensitive to caffeine. It lasted almost a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, mine abated. I thought I was losing my mind. Dialing back on caffeine and on nonmandatory social obligations, not watching the news, meditation and walking in nature helped.

Yes! OP try to walk outside in the morning light (730-9am) or so for about 15 minutes.

[Anonymous]

In addition to what’s already been mentioned (especially fresh air and no caffeine and meditation), I tried to listen to binaural beats (YouTube has a lot of options) and I also took melatonin to help sleep at night. And therapy.

[Anonymous]

Oh and rest as needed, to let your body keep healing.

[Anonymous]

I started crying around day 8, which is not like me at all. I didn’t know that brain inflammation due to COVID could cause that.

I drank lots of water, ate extra virgin olive oil in food (anti-inflammatory), napped and rested (also anti-inflammatory), and reduced social obligations.

I had stopped drinking coffee because I was so sick and kept on with that for around two weeks. Idk if that helped.

I do feel better now.