A New Battle: PTSD In COVID-19 Survivors

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our daily lives now almost a year after the first lockdown orders in California. Many of us continue to face challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and emotionally damaging. Rising concerns about mental health sweep headlines as isolation and loneliness, two well-known psychological effects of COVID-19, continue to take a toll on the way people feel. Now, there’s a new battle some COVID-19 survivors are facing in the aftermath of the disease that causes lingering anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, depression, accompanied by painful flashbacks.

Battling a potentially fatal illness can be a traumatic event. We’ve seen this many times before in cancer patients and others who battle life-threatening illnesses. Although many people in the US have recovered from COVID-19, those who make it to the other side can be left with emotional scars from their battle.

New research suggests that up to a third of those who fought COVID-19 and recovered are now battling symptoms of PTSD.

Many COVID-19 survivors experience symptoms that align with PTSD such as:
• Flashbacks (reliving the trauma)
• Nightmares
• Feeling tense or “on edge”
• Struggling with intrusive thoughts
• Being easily startled
​• Losing interest in enjoyable activities
• Having physical sensations like sweating or trembling

Good moods, bad moods, happiness, sadness— they’re all a part of life, and they come and go, especially during these unprecedented times. However, if your mood gets in the way of living your life, or if you seem stuck and unable to move forward, you may have depression or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you or someone you know struggles with symptoms of PTSD, depression, or any other mental health disorder during these difficult times, reach out for support. Our team at Pacific Mind Health specializes in a variety of therapeutic approaches depending on the patient’s history, challenges, and personality. We’re here for you as well continue to move forward. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support!