One of the effects of Covid-19 is the increase in cases of depression, either because of having suffered from the disease or because of aspects related to the changes produced by the pandemic. Fortunately, there are different ways to cope with this pathology and get back to feeling satisfied with life.
Although depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is very common in the general population (10% of men and 20% of women will suffer from it at some point), research has associated Covid-19 with an increased likelihood of depression by up to 39%, according to a study published in the BMJ.
According to National Geographic, it is estimated that millions of people show depressive symptoms (fatigued, apathetic or anxious) after overcoming Covid-19. This goes hand in hand with the phenomenon known as post-viral depression, which also occurs with other illnesses such as the common flu or mononucleosis, due to inflammatory changes, among other factors.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COVID-19 AND DEPRESSION
According to Madhukar Trivedi, psychiatrist and founding director of the Depression Clinical Care and Research Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, told National Geographic, symptoms of post-covid depression usually appear two to three months after suffering from the disease, and can last for months video porno.
With several studies observing the same thing, it seems that the link is neither coincidental nor imaginary. However, the relationship between Covid-19 and the subsequent onset of depression is still unclear. Ziyad Al-Aly, director of the centre for clinical epidemiology at Washington University in St Louis, has several theories.
One is related to inflammation, and how it might affect certain areas of the brain that regulate emotions. The other, according to Al-Aly, suggests that the virus attacks the lining of blood vessels, which could alter the blood and oxygen supply to the brain, and ultimately compromise areas that regulate emotions.
However, beyond the biological factors, there are also psychological and environmental ones. Going through the illness in seclusion and isolation, the fear of long Covid, or having negative feelings at the time of illness can contribute to a depressive state.
TIPS FOR OVERCOMING POST-COVID DEPRESSION
Although depression for the sufferer can feel like a tunnel with no exit, there are different mechanisms and actions that can help the patient to overcome it. Among them, of course, is psychotherapy, and one of the most recommended is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to help change harmful thought patterns.
Physical exercise is also a great ally to get out of depressive states, especially that related to Covid-19, as it helps to lower inflammation. On the other hand, exercise is also associated with the release of hormones such as serotonin, which contributes to a feeling of happiness.
Likewise, trying to maintain a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, and/or fish is associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression. In addition to psychotherapy, and especially if you do not have access to psychotherapy, it is essential to have support networks, such as friends and family, or a community. This can help to ease burdens and make you feel less alone.
Another aspect that can help a lot in overcoming depression is regularising sleep. This is why it is recommended to establish bedtime rituals, such as turning off screens at night, dimming lights and trying to go to bed at the same time.