Recovered patients now suffer from insomnia and depression

JAIPUR: The past few months have beencovid a difficult ride for Covid patients. Now after recovery, they are suffering from mental health issues such as insomnia, depression and anxiety.
The core team of Covid care and management on Friday admitted that many patients fighting insomnia, depression and anxiety need immediate intervention of psychiatrists and psychologists. Also, some of the young patients are witnessing elevated heartbeat due to sleep deprivation.

Attributing the rampant insomnia problem among the patients of various age brackets who have recovered a month ago or a fortnight ago to fear psychosis and fear of death, the doctors said that patients should avoid over-the-counter anti-depressants or sedatives.
“It is seen that many patients are struggling with insomnia after they have recovered. They have undergone a journey full of mental stress. A copatient passing away in front of their eyes is depressing. I would suggest them to see a psychiatrist. Also, these people should avoid anti-depressants or sedatives that will make them addict if taken for a longer period,” Dr Ajeet Singh, superintendent of SMS Medical College, told TOI.
“If we are not able to sleep properly, it can impact our blood sugar, blood pressure and even heartbeat. So, those who are facing the problem for more than 15 days after recovery, should see a psychiatrist,” Singh added.
Many people who have approached the post-Covid care centres admitted that they are suffering from insomnia along with depression and anxiety.
“Firstly, I would advise people to cut down their screen time over phone and stay away from social media. Also, it is advisable to cut down the caffeinated drinks and beverages. And these people are advised to do some physical activities on regular basis,” said Dr Sudhir Bhandari, principal and controller, SMS medical college.
The problem is not just disturbing the patients, but also their relatives who had attended their patients at the hospitals in April and May. “My father was at RUHS for almost a month and for one week he was in the ICU. We struggled a lot to get oxygen and at instances doctors told that Remdesivir was not available and was made available after a long wait. Since my father got discharged, I am unable to sleep properly. I have had a discussion with a doctor who told me not to panic as gradually I will regain my routine and he advised me not to have any anti-depressants,” said 32-year-old IT professional Vedant Sharma.