If you had COVID-19, you may have mental health concerns, such as issues with memory, concentration, depression, or anxiety.
Brain fog
Cognitive fatigue, often called “brain fog,” can bring challenges with:
- thinking
- remembering
- focusing or paying attention
- planning
- problem solving
- finding the right words
These challenges may go away in weeks or last for months. If they don’t get better, contact your healthcare provider or talk to a
psychologist or
occupational therapist.
Tips to help with thinking and memory
Here are some things you can try if you’re having trouble thinking clearly, paying attention, and remembering:
Slow down
Be gentle with yourself. Try to be realistic about what you can do as you recover. If you don’t get something done, it’s OK. Put it on the list for the next day or week.
Plan your time
Make a schedule for what you will do on that day and when. Include time for breaks and rest.
Set alarms and alerts
Try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you of what you need to do. You can also use calendar alerts to help you.
Make lists
Make daily lists of your priorities or to-do tasks for the day. Use a cellphone, laptop, notebook, or day timer.
Look at your list several times a day and check off items as you do them.
Use notes
Leave yourself reminder notes in helpful places, for example:
- on the bathroom mirror to remind you to take pills or go to your morning doctor’s appointment
- by your car keys to remind you to bring your wallet and cellphone before leaving the house
- in your car to remind you to get gas or pick up dog food
Break down tasks into small steps
Breaking down bigger tasks into small steps makes the tasks feel easier to do. Building in rest breaks between tasks helps to manage your energy.
For example, in the morning you may want to:
- Get out of bed, brush your teeth, and brush your hair.
- Take a break.
- Get dressed.
- Take a break.
- Prepare your breakfast and eat.
- Take a break.
Reduce distractions
Being mindful, or focusing only on what you’re doing, can help with focusing and getting things done. You can also see the sections about
managing your energy and
going back to work or school for more ideas that might help.
Try simple thinking games
As you feel ready, you can try some simple tasks and games that involve thinking. These could be word games or number games like Sudoku, puzzles, or other activities that gently challenge your thinking skills.
Depression, anxiety, stress
Having COVID-19 can be hard on your mental health. Feeling stress, anxiety (worry, fear), or depression (feeling very sad, hopeless) is common when you’re unwell and as you recover. Managing these feelings is an important part of your recovery.
If you already have a mental health care provider, it’s a good idea to talk to them as you recover. Many providers offer phone or online support. If you don’t have mental health support and your symptoms are not getting better, contact your healthcare provider (such as your family doctor) or call the
Mental Health Helpline.
Connecting with others is important to mental health. If you can’t connect in person, stay in contact with friends or family online or on the phone. And remember, it’s OK to ask for help. Let family and friends know that they can help by reaching out to you during your recovery, even if you don’t always respond right away.
See the links below to learn more:
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
