The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global devastation, producing long-term effects for all including those who have been diagnosed with the virus, those who lost loved ones to the virus,  and those struggling with the mental health impact of the virus. 

In urgent care facilities, we are seeing a blend of patients including those who have contracted COVID-19 and are suffering from the initial symptoms and those who are developing symptoms associated with long COVID. Initial symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and brain fog are mostly fleeting but are, unfortunately, long-lasting for some. Some long COVID patients are also continuing to cough and are experiencing additional symptoms including lack of concentration, which can be debilitating and disruptive to their daily lives. 

When you have a new cognitive impairment, the people you live and work with might not understand that you no longer have the same level of functionality — so there is also a social aspect that long-haulers have to navigate. They may find it stressful to talk about their symptoms and share their challenges with others, such as co-workers, bosses or friends, some of whom don’t believe them or are dismissive of  COVID.

Sadly, some pediatric patients with long COVID-19 are also having a hard time returning to normal activities. They are not able to walk or run as far, are experiencing chronic fatigue and are finding it hard to concentrate. Parents of these children struggle to help them understand COVID (or to understand it themselves) and worry about how symptoms could affect their children long-term as they grow. 

Additionally, we are seeing an increase in mental health issues. Some patients were already experiencing mental health challenges prior to the pandemic. During the pandemic, many people were not able to access services, as some facilities were completely shut down. Many people were also afraid to seek care because they were scared to catch the virus. Now, patients are visiting urgent care with mental health issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). 

We have all had to create ways to cope with the new reality brought on by the pandemic. While some people learned new hobbies or changed careers, others struggled and/or turned to more harmful ways to cope. Some patients turned to food and overeating to deal with the stressors of the pandemic; they may have kept the weight on or later developed dangerous eating disorders to lose weight. 

OCD has been another concerning mental health issue. Some patients initially meticulously cleaned their homes to make themselves feel better or safer, but now find they are unable to stop. Hair loss from stress, depression, insomnia and experiential drug use are also more common these days.

As a doctor, I’ve found that the key to helping patients during this difficult time is getting them to truthfully acknowledge what is really concerning them. People experiencing symptoms of disease or illness often visit urgent care first if they do not have a primary care provider, and my goal is to listen to the patient, free of judgment, and help them get the care they need, whether it’s something I can treat there or through a referral.

I often encourage patients to write their concerns down, or say them aloud repeatedly, to motivate themselves to move forward and make the wise decision to contact a healthcare professional. As you navigate the aftermath of COVID-19, continue to invest in yourself and your health – including your mental health – and push forward with the changes you want to see in your life, now and in the future. 

Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, M.D., M.S., is a board-certified, family physician practicing urgent care medicine based in Reno, where she serves as regional clinical director for Carbon Health and medical director for Saint Mary’s Medical Group. Curry-Winchell is also a member of the Reno mayor’s task force and Governors Medical Advisory Team on COVID-19.