Page 78 - Javanan Issue #1897

PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUE No. 1896
PSYCHOLOGICAL
ISSUE No. 1856
PERSPECTIVES JAVANAN
PERSPECTIVES
JAVANAN
Dr. Alan A.
Modarressi LOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Clinical and A SOCIOCULTURAL AND MIND AND BODY OUTLOOK
Neuro-Psychologyst
In this column, we examine the mental health issues in the context
of social, culture, and physiological concerns of the Iranian community

POST PANDEMIC DEPRESSION Treatment options may include the
following:
How COVID-19 Impacted Depressive Symptoms Lifestyle changes: Making posi-
tive changes to one's lifestyle can
Overview have a significant impact on mental
well-being. This may include en-
The impact of the pandemic on gaging in regular physical activity,
mental health has been documented maintaining a balanced diet, get-
by a vast amount of research. Many ting enough sleep, meditating, and
people experiencing symptoms of avoiding excessive alcohol or drug
depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Re- use.
search shows that, factors such as Therapy. Engaging in therapy,
immune response, gut-biome dis- such as cognitive-behavioral thera-
ruption, and psychological stress py (CBT) or talk therapy, can effec-
contribute to depression following tively manage depression. A thera-
COVID-19. Treating depression af- pist can help individuals identify
ter COVID-19 may require lifestyle and change negative thought pat-
changes, therapy, medication, herbal terns, develop coping strategies, and
supplements, and building support provide emotional support.
systems. The duration of depression Medication: In addition to treating
following COVID-19 varies among the underlying symptoms of COV-
individuals, and further research is ID-19, you may also be prescribed
needed to fully understand the long- tem triggers the production of cyto- It’s normal to feel down when antidepressant medication if your
depression is more severe. Antide-
term effects of the pandemic on kines and chemokines that promote your normal routine changes or if pressants work by balancing certain
mental health. inflammation, including T-helper-2 you are not feeling well. Usually, a chemicals in the brain that are asso-
Check now if you may be eligible cell-secreted cytokines. Higher lev- low mood improves as your health
for COVID-19 treatment. els of these cytokines have been does, which can take a few days ciated with mood regulation.
Herbal Supplements. Some herbal
Throughout the pandemic, a sig- linked to more severe COVID-19 or weeks. Common signs of a low supplements are effective in treating
nificant number of adults have ex- cases and can lead to various psy- mood can include the following depression, such as St. John's wort.
perienced symptoms of anxiety and chiatric disorders, including depres- feelings: It can be used to treat mild and even
depression. In early 2021, around sion. These high levels of cytokines Sadness, Anxiety, Worry, Tired- moderate depression. Doses and in-
4 in 10 adults reported such symp- may also be responsible for other ness, Low self-esteem, Frustration, gredients can vary in over-the-coun-
toms. As the pandemic progressed, symptoms related to the brain, such Anger, and Sense of hopelessness. ter St. John's wort products, so it’s
the prevalence of these symptoms as brain fog and sensory disorders. However, if the low mood persists wise to talk to a doctor about pre-
gradually decreased to approximate- Gut-biome disruption. COVID-19 and doesn't go away, it could be a scriptive strength and ensure it will
ly 3 in 10 adults. In addition, many can potentially impact the variety sign of depression. In addition to not interfere with other medications.
people hospitalized with severe of bacteria and other microorgan- the symptoms mentioned above, de- Support systems: Building a solid
COVID-19 experienced mental isms residing in the gut. This is sig- pression may involve the following: support network is crucial in man-
health issues such as post-traumatic nificant because these gut microbes A low mood that lasts for 2 weeks aging depression. This can involve
stress disorder (PTSD), depression, produce neurotransmitters such as or more; Loss of pleasure in activi- reaching out to friends, family, or
anxiety, insomnia, and obsessive- serotonin and dopamine, essential ties once enjoyed; Fatigue or lack of support groups for emotional sup-
compulsive symptoms. The risk for regulating mood. Therefore, energy; Difficulty concentrating on port and understanding. Sharing
of developing depression remains any alterations in the gut microbiota everyday tasks; Changes in appetite, experiences and feelings with others
high up to a year after recovery. Re- caused by COVID-19 could con- such as overeating or loss of appe- who may be going through similar
searchers believe that COVID-19 tribute to the development of certain tite; Changes in sleep patterns, such challenges can provide a sense of
can impact mental health in a few neuropsychiatric conditions. as sleeping more or having trouble community and reassurance.
major ways: Psychological factors. Isolation, sleeping; Having thoughts of sui- Your treatment approach may
The body's immune response to fear of infecting others, and the cide or self-harm; If you have any vary depending on individual cir-
the virus itself such as disruption of stigma associated with a COVID-19 of these symptoms, it’s essential to cumstances and the severity of your
the gut biome infection can also contribute to de- seek professional help right away. depression. Seeking guidance from
Psychological stress associated pression among survivors. In ad- Treating depression after CO- a healthcare professional, such as a
with the infection and pandemic im- dition, many people lost their jobs, VID requires a comprehensive ap- therapist or psychiatrist, is essential
mune response. When COVID-19 which also led to symptoms of anxi- proach that addresses the condition's in determining the most appropriate
enters your body, your immune sys- ety and depression. physical and psychological aspects. treatment plan.

DANESH FOROUGHI, PH.D. Alan Modarressi, PhD, QME
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY13680 Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Psychotherapist, MFC23455 Qualified Medical Evaluator
Certified National Board of Addiction Examiners #4974 Certified Psychophsychologist
Tel: (310) 940-3642 Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management
15720 Ventura Blvd., Second Fl. #224 Encino CA 91436 (818) 501-6080 (562) 861-7226

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