Disabled due to Long Term Covid-19 Symptoms?

While the long-term effects of having had Covid-19 are still being discovered, new research shows the health consequences are more problematic and impactful then once thought. Nowhere is this more apparent than with mental health. Studies show that those who became ill with Covid-19 have an increase chance of developing or worsening mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, cognitive decline, sleep problems, and an increased risk of substance use.

A recent study followed more than 153,000 Covid-19 positive patients from the Veterans Affairs health system. Their medical records from March 2020 and January 2021 were compared to those of 5.8 million people who did not test positive but also lived through the stress of the pandemic. Also considered were the pre pandemic records of 5.6 million people. None of the patients had a history of mental health issues within the last two years. When compared to those who did not have Covid-19, positive patients were 80% more likely to develop cognitive problems, 41% more likely to develop sleep disorders, 39% more likely to develop depression, 38% more likely to develop stress, 35% more likely to develop anxiety and 34% more likely to develop an opioid use disorder. While more severe cases of Covid-19 had a higher risk of mental illness, mild or asymptomatic cases were also more likely to receive a mental health diagnoses.

As the world attempts to return to life closer to that of pre pandemic, experts are concerned about another opioid epidemic and suicide crisis due to undiagnosed Covid-19 related mental illnesses. Early treatment can make a crucial difference. Unfortunately there is a vast disparity between need and resources. Many mental health professionals often do not accept insurance or have long wait lists. Advocates believe it is important to recognize and prioritize the mental health of Covid-19 survivors as the ramifications will likely be with us for some time.

Disabled due to long term Covid-19 symptoms? Need help applying for benefits? If you’re unable to work due to any disability, we can help you at Binder & Binder. Please complete a free survey at https://www.binderandbinder.com/free-ssd-evaluation/ and we will contact you shortly with more information on how we can help.