Post COVID Depression: 14 Symptoms to Know and 5 Proven Recovery Strategies in Denver

Is Post-COVID Depression Real? (And Why It’s More Common Than You Think)

Post-COVID depression is very real. For many, the emotional effects of the pandemic persist long after the virus itself is gone. Depression symptoms can appear as early as 2-3 months after infection, and for some, they have never resolved.

14 Post-COVID Depression Symptoms to Watch For

If you or someone you love is experiencing the following symptoms, it may be more than just a rough patch:

1. Lack of interest in hobbies, relationships, or sex

2. Difficulty completing basic tasks (like getting out of bed)

3. Irritability, frustration, or emotional outbursts

4. Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

5. Insomnia or excessive sleep

6. Fatigue or lack of energy

7. Appetite changes or weight fluctuations

8. Anxiety or restlessness

9. Slowed thoughts, speech, or movement

10. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

11. Trouble concentrating or remembering things

12. Suicidal thoughts or ideation

13. Unexplained aches and pains

14. Mental health medications that suddenly stop working

Why Post-COVID Depression Happens: The Science Behind the Symptoms

No two cases are alike, but many root causes are shared. Research shows several biological and psychological mechanisms may be at play:

• Immune-inflammatory response: COVID-19 can trigger an inflammatory state that impacts brain chemistry and mood regulation.

• Gut-brain disruption: COVID alters gut microbiota, which can affect serotonin and dopamine production, contributing to mood disorders.

• Psychological stress: Isolation, fear, economic instability, and health anxiety also increase the risk of depression.

COVID Long Haulers and Mood Disorders: What the Research Shows

People who experienced severe symptoms, were hospitalized, or faced prolonged recovery are at higher risk. In fact, depression may last up to a year or more after infection. Early intervention is crucial.

COVID or Just the Blues? How to Tell the Difference

Typical stress or sadness improves with time. But when low mood lingers beyond two weeks, interferes with daily life, or includes hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, it may be post-COVID depression.

5 Proven Ways to Recover From Post-COVID Depression

1. Talk to a professional. Whether it's a therapist or psychiatric provider, Axis makes care easy with no referral required and accepts most insurance.

2. Eat for your brain. Nutritional psychiatry is showing that what you eat affects your mood. Omega-3s, probiotics, and vitamins can support recovery.

3. Get outside and move. A simple walk can activate the brain's relaxation system and release endorphins.

4. Try meditation. Guided meditations, apps, and breathing exercises can lower stress hormones.

5. Prioritize sleep. Good sleep heals the brain and regulates gut health, both critical for mental health.

When Antidepressants Stop Working After COVID

It’s not uncommon for previously effective medications to stop working after COVID. Inflammation and brain chemistry shifts may require reassessment and possibly a new treatment approach. As no 2 long covid cases are alike, medication management for long covid depression patients needs to be specifically tailored to the unique symptoms of each individual.

Effective Alternative Treatments: TMS, Ketamine & Spravato

• TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) has been shown to improve depression and brain fog in long COVID patients.

• Ketamine & Spravato have both anti-inflammatory and rapid-acting antidepressant effects, making them promising options for post-COVID depression.

Treatments We Don't Recommend: Marijuana & Psilocybin

• Marijuana may worsen anxiety and motivation issues.

• Psilocybin, though being studied, lacks consistent dosing and safety protocols and is not currently a recommended treatment at Axis.

Gender Bias in Long Covid Depression

Gender bias plays a significant role in how Long COVID and its related mental health impacts—especially depression—are experienced and treated. Women are nearly 3 times more likely than men to develop Long COVID, with even higher risks among those in their 40s. Gender-diverse individuals assigned female at birth, including non-binary and transmasculine people, also show elevated risk. This increased vulnerability is tied to biological factors such as immune response and hormonal changes, but gender bias in medical care worsens the situation. Women are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or attributed to anxiety, leading to delayed diagnosis and untreated depression. Studies have also shown that women with Long COVID report more neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, and depression, all of which significantly impair daily functioning.

Beyond biology and diagnostic disparities, structural gender roles further compound mental health risks. Women, who often carry the burden of caregiving and household responsibilities, experienced heightened stress during the pandemic, which is a factor that increases the likelihood of depression. Socioeconomic status and access to care also play a role; lower-income women are both more likely to suffer from Long COVID and less likely to get adequate treatment. These intersecting issues highlight the need for gender-responsive mental health care, more inclusive research, and better clinician training to recognize and address bias in how Long COVID and depression are identified and treated.

How Axis Integrated Mental Health Makes Treatment Accessible and Compassionate

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our providers offer 30-minute appointments (twice the national average), take the time to listen, and personalize treatment plans. You don’t need a referral to get started. You can book a consultation online or call us at (720) 400-7025 to get started!

You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis: Why Early Intervention Matters

Treating mild symptoms early is easier and more effective than waiting for a crisis. You don’t need to hit rock bottom to get help. We’re here when you’re ready.

Learn More About Mental Health Recovery

• Marijuana and Mental Health

• Ketamine for Depression in Denver

• TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression

• What Gender Bias in Mental Health Looks Like—and How to Find Better Care in Colorado

FAQs

1. What are the most common symptoms of post-COVID depression?

2. Can COVID-19 cause permanent changes to my mental health?

3. How is post-COVID depression treated differently from other types of depression?

4. Does insurance cover alternative treatments like TMS or Ketamine?

5. How do I know if it’s time to seek professional help for post-COVID symptoms?