The Importance of Mental Health to Aid Long Covid
June 2024
Long Covid patients are more likely to have depression and anxiety compared to others. However, access to mental healthcare services can help aid in coping with depression and anxiety from Long Covid
This guide from our friends at
Pacific Prime CXA will show you the importance of mental health for Long Covid patients.
What is Long Covid?
Long Covid refers to the effects of COVID-19 that last for 4-12 weeks beyond the initial illness. Most patients experience symptoms after infections, while some who develop Long Covid are unaware of when they were infected.
Additionally, people can be reinfected with the COVID-19 virus and each reinfection increases the risk of developing Long Covid.
Symptoms of Long Covid
Symptoms may require comprehensive care or even cause disabilities. Additionally, symptoms can emerge, persist, resolve, and reemerge in a matter of weeks to months.
Below are some common long covid symptoms:
● Malaise and fatigue
● Chest pain and heart palpitations
● Fever
● Shortness of breath and coughing
● Headaches
● Diarrhoea
How Long Covid Causes Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety in Long Covid occur when the COVID-19 virus affects the brain by damaging the neurons (brain cells) and glial cells (support cells), both of which are responsible for brain repair and activity.
Damage to these two vital brain cells can also cause memory issues. Symptoms typically associated with depression such as sleep disturbances also stem from long covid.
Symptoms of depression from Long Covid can include disinterest in activities one would usually enjoy, hopelessness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. On the other hand, symptoms of anxiety from long covid can include constant worries, nervousness, and irritability.
Coping With Depression and Anxiety from Long Covid
Depression can leave you feeling slow and sluggish while anxiety leaves you constantly worried about recovery, if you can resume your old life, or if you are at risk of long-term complications.
You can relieve depression from Long Covid by attending cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions physically with a therapist or remotely through available telehealth services. You can also relax your mind and body through meditation, yoga, or staying in touch with your friends and family.
If you find yourself feeling worried about recovery, reinfection, or long-term complications at night, you can note down these concerns and postpone these worries until morning. That way, you can ease your mind so you can sleep peacefully at night.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is a fundamental necessity for overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people are unable to access mental healthcare services and this can be incredibly problematic for long covid patients who are more susceptible to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Prompt treatment for anxiety and depression for Long Covid patients is desperately needed for efficient prevention of physical health issues as mental wellbeing is also related to physical wellbeing.
Barriers to Mental Healthcare Accessibility
Some common barriers to mental healthcare accessibility include cost, lack of insurance coverage, and geographic barriers. For instance, mental healthcare services may not be accessible for individuals in rural or remote areas due to a lack of providers or facilities.
Health insurance providers often provide very limited mental health coverage in comparison to physical health, which makes it challenging for those with mental health conditions, particularly Long Covid patients, to access mental healthcare.
Out-of-pocket costs for therapy sessions and medication are another notable barrier to mental healthcare accessibility for some individuals due to the huge financial burden on themselves and their families.
How Health Insurance Helps with Mental Healthcare Accessibility
Mental health insurance will ease the financial burden stemming from mental health treatment by covering a large portion of therapies, sessions, and psychiatric care, which reduces out-of-pocket expenses for policyholders and their families.
Most mental health insurance plans also have a network of mental health professionals, allowing policyholders to choose the right mental healthcare professional to help address their mental health issues.
In addition to comprehensive coverage of various mental health conditions, many mental health insurance plans also cover mental health assessments to allow early detection and treatment of mental health issues.
What Pacific Prime Singapore Can Offer to Expats
Long Covid patients are more susceptible to depression and anxiety, and access to mental healthcare is sorely needed due to mental health being related to physical health. While some may not have access to mental healthcare, health insurance can allow access to the right service you need.
As an international health insurance broker, we offer various customizable plans, such as international health insurance, family health insurance, and more. Our team of experts can also help match you with the right health insurance plan and maximize mental health coverage.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us for impartial advice or a free quote.
