COVID-19's effect on mental health

After recovering from COVID-19, some people report slower thinking or difficulty concentrating or paying attention. This is often called brain fog. It can make new information harder to memorize, or it can make information harder to recall.

People who have COVID-19 may have trouble sleeping. Sleep that doesn't make you feel restored or rested may worsen symptoms. That can make it even harder to function during the day. People with COVID-19 also may feel anxious or depressed during the illness.

If symptoms of COVID-19 linger for months, this illness is often called long COVID or post-COVID-19 syndrome. Dealing with these lingering symptoms and their consequences may affect daily routines involving family life, work, school and relationships.