PTSD From COVID-19: Understanding Mental Health And Serious Illness

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic due to an outbreak of a novel type of coronavirus (COVID-19). This unprecedented event triggered widespread serious illness, grief, fear, and uncertainty in the general public. Though researchers and healthcare professionals continue to analyze and measure the emotional and physical fallout of COVID-19 in communities around the world, studies so far suggest that it has indeed caused lasting psychological effects. Here, we’ll explore the development of PTSD in COVID-19 survivors and how the pandemic has affected mental health on a large scale. 

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Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This disorder can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. PTSD symptoms can vary in severity and duration from person to person.

Common signs of PTSD 

Some of the most common signs of PTSD can include the following:

• Intrusive thoughts or memories related to the traumatic event(s)
• Flashbacks, where the individual feels as if they're reliving the traumatic experience
• Avoidance of reminders (places, people, or activities) of the trauma 
• Negative changes in thinking and mood, such as persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of detachment, and/or a diminished interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Hypervigilance or heightened arousal, which can lead to difficulty sleeping, irritability, and/or being easily startled
• Emotional numbness or difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble remembering details of the traumatic event(s)

Some of the most recognizable symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. These symptoms are often triggered by similar settings or reminders of the traumatic experience. Additionally, individuals with this illness may exhibit avoidance behaviors, such as withdrawing from people or situations that remind them of their trauma. 

Traumatic events commonly associated with PTSD

Types of traumatic events that are commonly associated with the development of PTSD include: 

• Natural disasters
• War or combat situations
• Physical or sexual assault
• Sudden loss of a loved one 
• Car or transportation accidents
• Serious illness

Serious illness and PTSD

Experiencing a serious illness can profoundly impact an individual's mental health, potentially leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some cases. The journey through illness often involves intense physical discomfort, existential fear, and a loss of control over one's body and life circumstances. These factors can trigger symptoms related to PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks to traumatic medical procedures, hypervigilance regarding one's health, and avoidance of medical settings or reminders of the illness. Ongoing uncertainty about the future and the lingering effects of the illness can also exacerbate feelings of anxiety and distress, further contributing to the development or worsening of PTSD symptoms in some cases. 

The link between COVID-19 and PTSD

Based on a growing body of research, the connection between COVID-19 or similar illnesses and PTSD has become increasingly evident. For example, research on survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a virus similar to COVID-19, reveals significant rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in patients even six months post-recovery. Furthermore, some individuals experienced diminished quality of life persisting a year after hospital discharge, pointing to the potential long-term impacts of this type of virus on mental health. 

Similarly, many COVID-19 survivors have already exhibited enduring psychological effects, with a growing body of research suggesting a significant correlation between COVID-19 and PTSD.

Research on individuals who were put on ventilators—which was common in the early days of COVID-19 in particular—also suggests elevated rates of PTSD among this population.

Overall, ongoing research emphasizes the importance of anticipating and addressing the potential psychological consequences of contracting COVID-19, urging clinicians to proactively assess and support survivors' mental well-being in the aftermath of the illness.

The lasting impacts of COVID-19 on mental health

While the potential to develop PTSD after a serious illness had already been well-documented, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted further research into the nature of PTSD that emerges due to illness. According to research, varying rates of PTSD symptoms in the general population following the COVID-19 outbreak have raised questions on how to classify pandemic-related stress. 

The lasting impacts of COVID-19 extend far beyond the initial outbreak, and they will likely continue to affect individuals and communities worldwide for years to come. Many experts describe the pandemic as a collective trauma due to its profound and widespread effects on so many aspects of society at large. However, identifying PTSD stemming from an individual having COVID-19 themselves can be challenging due to the ongoing nature of multiple pandemic-related stressors. 

Research indicates that PTSD is prevalent not only among those who contracted the virus, but also in the general population. Common contributing factors include the loss of loved ones, financial struggles, prolonged isolation, and the pervasive feelings of fear and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.

Healthcare workers, who have been on the front lines battling the virus since it first appeared, have been particularly affected, with an estimated 34% of US healthcare workers experiencing symptoms of PTSD. This correlation between COVID-19 and PTSD underscores the need for further research to understand the specifics of its impact and ongoing effects so that effective strategies to support individuals and communities in coping with and recovering from its aftermath can be developed.

How therapy can help you cope with PTSD from COVID-19

Therapy can play a crucial role in helping individuals cope with PTSD from COVID-19. It’s typically the first line of treatment for PTSD in general, sometimes in combination with medication, and symptoms usually don’t disappear on their own without it. By providing a safe and supportive environment, therapists can assist clients in processing their experiences, managing distressing symptoms, and developing healthy and effective coping strategies. Specific interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown particular promise in treating PTSD, including cases that developed as a result of COVID-19. 

Since the pandemic, social distancing measures have become more common—particularly in people who have previously contracted the virus. If you’re looking to receive therapeutic care but would prefer to do so from the safety and comfort of home, you might explore online therapy instead of traditional in-person sessions. Platforms like BetterHelp allow you to meet with a licensed therapist via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from anywhere you have an internet connection, and research suggests that online therapy can offer comparable outcomes to in-person care in many cases.