Depression and long covid

[Living57]

I'm fed up with trying. I got covid in March and have not gotten over it. My doctor has done blood work, ECG, Xray of heart and lungs, CT scan of heart. Im still coughing, so exhausted and doing the simplest things tires me. It was noticed on the xray that I have fluid on my lungs and heart, so she followed it with the CT scan. My heart beat drops as low as 39 and up to 143bpm. She rang the cardio and he squeezed me in quickly. He did tests and has said it has been caused by covid. I had chest xrays earlier in the year and there was nothing wrong. He wants to do more tests to make sure he's missing nothing before he discusses problems and treatments. He did state i have Long Covid and has referred me to the clinic.

Well since then I have spiralled into a black place with my depression and my anxiety has peaked to an all time high.

I'm struggling every day with over thinking and imagining the worse, I get anxious when I feel my heart pounding, and the anxiety builds up, depression gets me down lower and lower. 

I put on my 'all is good with my world' face for family and friends, thats becoming automatic for me but once they've gone or I've left, I'm a blubbering mess. 

It doesn't help when I have friends on both sides of the vaccination debate, who are also armchair experts on what I should or shouldn't do.

I feel like I want to lock myself away from everyone and the world and just curl up in a ball. 

I guess I just needed somewhere to vent, sorry 😢😢

[Summer Rose]

Hi Living57

I’m really sorry that you’re experiencing long Covid. I can certainly understand why this is challenging for you, given it’s a new condition, somewhat controversial and there are many unknowns. It’s a tough situation, no doubt.

I don’t have any answers as to what you should or shouldn’t do except to say that, I would encourage you to …

Keep working with your doctors and pushing for answers.

Do your own independent research and consider joining a support group—I’m sure there will be some on Facebook—where you can learn from others around the world.

Take each day as it comes and try to ensure that you spend time each day doing something you really enjoy.

Listen to your body. Perhaps try keeping a daily journal and recording your symptoms and what you’re doing, eating, how much you’re sleeping, etc and see if you can spot any patterns or relationships between symptoms and activities.

Consider whether you think it might help to speak with a mental health professional. The better your mental health the better you will be able to manage your physical health. There is virtually no risk in reaching out for help and very much to gain.

Kind thoughts to you

[mmMekitty]

Hello Living57

I'm so sorry you have long COVID & it's impacting on your mental health.

I don't think there is much I can add to Summer Rose's excellent suggestions.

It would be good if there is someone in your life who you can trust to sit with you & listen to you without bias & jumping in with telling you what you need, then the only advice I would give is to talk to them....

& to vent all you like here. I think BB can take it!

I hope your health will begin to improve soon.

Hugzies

mmMekitty

[LCovidFeb22]

Hi Living57,

Thank you for sharing/venting. I also have Long Covid and feeling very alone and a burden on my family and colleagues at the moment so reading your post has helped. I do not like that you are going through this but at the same time it’s nice to know someone really understands if that makes sense?? I hope that is not an insensitive thing to say.

Long Covid can be a long and hard journey. I hope you have support and some positivity in your life. Take care