Though the COVID-19 outbreak first began more than four years ago, its effects linger on our everyday health and wellness. Long COVID, new variants, and remote work policies all factor into the “new normal” we referenced so frequently in 2020. But perhaps the most prevalent relic of the pandemic is its immense negative, long-term impact on mental health as determined by a documented link between infection and mental health deterioration.
Mental Health America’s 2023 report, The State of Mental Health in America, reveals that Texas ranks 3rd in the nation for the prevalence of mental illness, but last for access to mental health care. These statistics paint a grim picture of mental health post-COVID in the state, especially as we deal with a mental health workforce shortage in nearly every county across Texas and gaps in funding.
However, new research points to a simple way Texans can take care of their physical health while also prioritizing their mental health – getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Scientists found higher rates of mental illness among unvaccinated people, particularly for those who experienced severe infections and required hospitalization. Depression, serious mental illness, general anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, addiction, self-harm, and suicide were all found to be elevated in the weeks following COVID-19 diagnosis, compared to pre-diagnosis or among those who didn’t experience a serious COVID-19 illness. The link between a severe COVID-19 case and mental illness is also consistent between racial and ethnic groups. It has also been observed for up to a year after infection.
Additionally, research has found that those diagnosed with serious psychiatric disorders are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, experiencing far more serious cases of the disease along with worsening psychiatric disorders. Getting your annual COVID-19 vaccination may seem like a small decision, but it can be essential to both your physical and mental health, especially as the new XEC variant spreads this fall.
This year, more options are available for Austinites who are evaluating their COVID-19 vaccine options. In addition to the mRNA-based vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, the FDA also authorized a non-mRNA protein-based vaccine developed by Novavax. This vaccine option uses the same technology as some flu vaccines that have been around for decades. Each of these vaccine options offers protection from serious illness and hospitalization.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is not a cure-all for mental health diagnoses. There is still much work to be done to improve access to mental health care, address the provider shortage, and ensure that every Texan who needs help knows where to go. But any small step we can take to improve our mental health is an important one. This October, getting an annual COVID-19 vaccine and encouraging loved ones to do the same might be one of the easiest steps we can take, not only to protect ourselves against COVID-19, but to prioritize our mental health and wellness.
Greg Hansch is the executive director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas and a
licensed masters-level social worker.