TEXAS — New research revealing a link between COVID-19 and mental illness and the results may have people rolling up their sleeves.

A new JAMA Psychiatry study of 18 million people in the U.K. looked at whether vaccination can affect how much the virus can mess with your emotions.  

Researchers found that un-vaccinated individuals were at a higher risk of developing a mental illness like depression or anxiety after a COVID-19 diagnosis.

This new study comes amid a significant COVID-19 wave in the United States with viral activity in wastewater reaching the highest levels recorded for a summer surge since July 2022. It’s one reason health experts are encouraging people to get the annual shot.

“This virus is going to be with us forever, kind of like the flu is around forever. The difference here is this is going to be a virus with a spread a couple of waves a year. The key in my mind is for high-risk people.. people who are older, people who are immuno-compromised, people with chronic diseases. They absolutely need to get the fall shot. There’s going to be a new shot every fall,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of Public Health at Brown University.

Dr. Jha said fortunately, we are in a different place in terms of dealing  with the physical and mental effects of COVID-19, as compared to earlier pandemic years. With the opportunity to avoid most of these issues by getting the annual covid vaccine.

“The key message is we can manage this now if people stay on top of that. For most of us, I think it is something you can manage your way through and not have that same anxiety with this virus that you would have four years ago where it would have made a lot more sense,” Dr. Jha added.

Here are some indications that one’s COVID-19 infection may be affecting their mental health:

  • Persistent anxiety or worry about your health.
  • Sadness or anger about diagnosis.
  • Trouble sleeping, consumed with thought about your COVID-19 infection.
  • Feeling isolated or disconnected from others.

Strategies to mental health effects of Covid diagnosis:

  • Take care of your body: Take your medication, get quality sleep, choose healthy meals, Move your body.
  • Take care of your mind: Relax, safely connect with others, try controlled breathing when you feel anxious or upset and practice gratitude.