What we know, how integrative psychiatry can help, and how to navigate long or long haul COVID symptoms.
Do You Have Long COVID?
If you're like the majority of Americans, you have already contracted COVID-19. Some people get very sick, some get mildly ill, and then some people don't even have any symptoms. What does the timeline look like if you're still feeling lousy for what seems like longer than you should be?
People who didn't have any symptoms with COVID may still be at risk for Long COVID, but it appears that they are likely at a lower risk than those who have had symptoms. Being hospitalized for COVID increases your risk of developing long COVID - more than half of those who have been hospitalized for COVID continue to experience symptoms for up to 3 months.
Possible Long COVID Symptoms
People with long COVID often have multiple symptoms - in multiple organ systems. There is some overlap in this presentation with other complex health conditions, such as other post-viral infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic lyme and other tick-borne infections, and fibromyalgia - a one size fits all plan is not going to work. A symptom --> diagnosis --> treatment model is not going to work. While we are still understanding the longterm effects of COVID, post-viral symptoms are not new. What are the possible symptoms of long COVID?
Brain: Brain fog, dizziness, loss of attention, confusion, inability to smell/taste, anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic, flashbacks
Heart: Chest pain, palpitations, fast heartbeat
GI system: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
Respiratory: General fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing
Musculoskeletal: Joint pain, muscle soreness