Young adults with COVID-19 suffer from anxiety disorders too
There are many reasons behind anxiety disorders. The most common misconception that children and teenagers do not suffer from anxiety and depression has been proven to be false time and time again, and young adults with COVID-19 are no exception. If you have been feeling especially stressed lately, it may be helpful to know that there are ways to manage your symptoms so that they don’t get out of control. Read on to learn more about the most common mental health conditions among teens with COVID-19 and how you can take care of yourself.
What is COVID-19?
In 2013, a 22-year-old college student in India was diagnosed with a rare condition called OVID (Common Variable Immunodeficiency), which left him highly susceptible to various infections. Although it is difficult to know exactly how many people have COVID-19 in India—since patients might not even be aware of their condition—the disease has been estimated to affect around 100 people each year. The young man’s plight gained traction across media platforms and forums because he is believed to be one of just two reported cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in India as of late. It also spurred an outpouring of sympathy and concern among medical experts who are working toward solutions for sufferers.
One such expert, Dr. Rajiv Jain of Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, recently told reporters that although some medications can help treat some symptoms of COVID-19, patients need lifelong care and support. As part of ongoing efforts to spread awareness about COVID-19, a small group called Children With Immune Deficiencies India launched a website earlier this month where those interested can learn more about diagnosing and treating the disease. This website offers information on both general information on immune deficiencies and specific information about treating those affected by COVID-19. For example, patients can find out more about specific symptoms they may experience while using treatments like immunoglobulin therapy or blood transfusions that help address deficiencies in blood cells.
How does it impact life?
If a young adult is suffering from COVID-19, they may experience complications. Both physical and emotional consequences of having an anxiety disorder can be distressing to cope with daily. For those who don’t know what it feels like to live in such extreme fear for so long, it’s difficult to understand how someone could feel that way.
However, when you have COVID-19, you are often plagued by constant thoughts of death or injury. You might have trouble sleeping at night because your mind won’t stop raving about all of your worst fears coming true. You might also find yourself constantly worrying about everything in your life because you think something bad will happen if you don’t do something right away to prevent it. It isn’t surprising that people with anxiety disorders are more likely than others to develop depression as well.
When you’re depressed, your body releases chemicals called neurotransmitters into your brain. These chemicals make you feel sad and sluggish most of the time. People with anxiety disorders already release these same chemicals into their brains naturally because they worry so much. When they become depressed, their bodies respond by releasing even more neurotransmitters into their brains, which makes them even more anxious. This cycle usually continues until someone gets help for both conditions.
Symptoms of COVID-19 and anxiety disorders
Sufferers of COVID-19 and associated symptoms often experience various types of anxiety. Just because people are young doesn’t mean they aren’t susceptible to experiencing panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social phobia. Here are some of the most common types of anxiety experienced by sufferers.
Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common symptoms among those with Covert Invasion Virus – 19 (CIV-19). Panic attacks may also be present in those who have COVID-19 but are less likely than GAD or social phobia. Individuals diagnosed with Covert Invasion Virus – 19 should be aware that coping skills can help them deal with all three disorders. It’s a good idea to practice these healthy habits such as talking therapy, exercise, yoga, or other relaxation techniques daily so when a stressful situation arises you can feel confident in how you handle it.
If you are struggling with any of these issues and would like more information on how to cope, please contact your doctor immediately.
Good News
Anxiety disorders are very common, but many people don’t seek treatment because they’re embarrassed or afraid of being judged. The good news is that there are many types of treatments available today for anxiety disorders, including medication and talk therapy. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can begin feeling better again.
When to seek help
It’s common for people to feel some level of stress at some point in their lives. The key is knowing when your stress levels become so overwhelming that they can affect your health and personal relationships.
Take these steps if you think you might be suffering from an anxiety disorder:
Talk to a trusted loved one about how you’re feeling—and ask for his or her support.
If you don’t have anyone to confide in, consider speaking with a mental health professional (many offer free initial sessions). If it feels appropriate, tell your doctor what’s going on; he or she may refer you to a specialist who can help. And don’t hesitate to reach out for help—the sooner you start treatment, the better off you will be.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s quite brave. So take care of yourself by reaching out today. You deserve it!
Take care of yourself by reaching out today. You deserve it! 1st, 2nd and 3rd paragraphs about symptoms. 4th paragraph is about seeking help for your own sake as well as those around you.
3rd paragraph also has examples of treatments available including CBT, psychotherapy, and medication therapy among others.
4th paragraph is a reminder that it’s OK to ask for help because you deserve it.
5th and 6th paragraphs are about how to seek help, such as looking up therapists in your area on Psychology Today or going to your doctor for a referral.
7th through 10th paragraphs are about what happens when you get help, such as feeling better after talking to someone who can relate or feeling better after taking medications that make you feel less anxious, or both.
Seeking help for young people with COVID-19
A mental health issue is often overlooked among young people. It is estimated that approximately 4.5% of teens have Covert Incest Victimization Disorder (COVID-19). This disorder manifests itself in many ways, including low self-esteem, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. Young people suffering from COVID-19 typically feel they can’t tell anyone about their parents’ abuse or neglect because it would reveal their secret: The fact that they were molested or neglected by a parent who promised to protect them.
. But what if these young people had someone to talk to? What if they knew there was help available? What if we could let them know it’s not their fault? That there are resources available for them? That there are people out there who will believe them and support them as they try to move forward with their lives? We need more awareness around issues like COVID-19 so that we can reach out and help those who need us most.
Conclusion
As it turns out, young adults who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are also at risk for anxiety disorders. Children under 18 accounts for about 20 percent of all those diagnosed with a COVID-19 disorder. While these kids may not be able to tell you how they feel, their parents can often see changes in their behavior and can provide insight into what is happening. If you’re worried that your child might be suffering from COVID-19 or another anxiety disorder, contact your doctor right away so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible. Remember, there is no time to waste when dealing with anxiety issues. Act now! Your child’s future depends on it. When we get stressed, our bodies release cortisol, which triggers our fight-or-flight response—our heart rate increases and blood pressure rises, giving us the energy to either stand up to a challenge or run away from it. Most people experience short bursts of stress every day (when we’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an important phone call), but prolonged stress is extremely unhealthy. Research shows that prolonged stress can contribute to everything from obesity and diabetes to depression and anxiety disorders.
And while it’s normal to worry about things, chronic worry and anxiety can lead to health problems. Anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million American adults, including children and adolescents; however, most people don’t seek help because they don’t know where to turn or because they fear being labeled crazy. The good news is that there are many effective treatments available for anxiety disorders.
