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Long COVID can be unpredictable, the physical symptoms might prevent you from socialising and working, and with no idea how long this will last, it鈥檚 no surprise that many people are experiencing related mental health issues. were suffering from mood disorders or anxiety six months after their initial COVID-19 infection, while between the six-month and 12-month mark.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a link between increased rates of mental and emotional struggles with any long-term debilitating condition,鈥� says Stephen Jones, the RCN Professional Lead for Mental Health. 鈥淎lthough long COVID is not yet clearly defined, generally people who experience the longer-term effects of contracting COVID-19 are also experiencing mental health struggles as they come to terms with increased isolation, anxiety and renewed fears of what will happen to them.鈥�

It makes me sad that my life has changed so much

Many RCN members have described how being stuck at home, unable to relieve stress by exercising or socialising, and worrying about their future career and health, have led to feelings of depression and anxiety. 

Leila* contracted COVID-19 in spring 2020. She has faced debilitating physical symptoms, which have left her unable to work or do things like running that she previously enjoyed. She also feels unsupported by her employers, adding to her isolation.

鈥淧sychologically, I've been through hell,鈥� says Leila. 鈥淭he combination of my symptoms and the way my managers have spoken to me has affected my mental health. For over a year, I have sobbed day and night, which I do feel has exacerbated my symptoms. It makes me sad that my life has changed so much.鈥�

Natasha* has also felt the psychological impact of her ongoing physical symptoms and the uncertainty of the future. 鈥淔eeling stressed about keeping my job is not helping my recovery,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 used to run to relieve stress, but I don鈥檛 even have that outlet anymore. I鈥檓 trying to meditate instead. I am desperate to recover, to get back to being me and enjoying life again.鈥�

For over a year, I have sobbed day and night

Professional support can help, Stephen says: 鈥淭here is a wealth of information and resources out there. But the main thing is to make sure you connect with someone 鈥� that is so important for mental health. The pandemic has made everyone feel isolated. Find others who have gone through the same experiences as it will be helpful to share what you鈥檙e going or have been through.鈥�

For Leila, the RCN Counselling Service provided much-needed support. 鈥淚 had seven sessions that were really helpful, because I鈥檝e got no one else to talk to. There鈥檚 a lot of hurt I need to get out. I feel better knowing that I鈥檓 not alone."

Social media has offered information and support for nurse Michelle*, who has connected with other long COVID sufferers on Facebook and Reddit. "Don鈥檛 suffer in silence,鈥� she says. 鈥淓ven accessing the social media groups for long COVID, it鈥檚 nice to see you鈥檙e not alone.

Don鈥檛 suffer in silence鈥� there are hundreds of thousands of people experiencing the same things

"You can start getting in your own head, thinking: am I weak? Am I imagining this? But you鈥檙e not, there are hundreds of thousands of people out there experiencing the same things. It's rubbish that we're having to go through all this, but at least it makes you feel less lonely."

It鈥檚 also important to acknowledge your feelings and know you don鈥檛 have to be 鈥渞esilient鈥� all the time. 鈥淲e often use this term to describe nursing staff, but for someone experiencing a mental health crisis, they will feel anything but,鈥� Stephen says. 鈥淣ursing staff should feel supported and the pandemic will have impacted our perception of resilience hugely.鈥�