An estimated 7.4 million Americans are suffering from long COVID, and as much as 80% of people with COVID-19 are at risk for post-COVID illness. Its symptoms are familiar: extreme fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness, cough, joint and muscle pain, headache, and more. While these physical symptoms often receive the most attention, researchers say mental health challenges after COVID-19 may be just as important for their potential effect on physical symptoms, and they must be addressed for patients’ recovery and overall well-being.

How to ‘ACT’ on Your Mental Health to Move Forward

As Long COVID patients struggle with uncontrollable circumstances, better coping strategies and ways of making their lives more meaningful are needed, writes Mary Beth Maslowski of Psychiatry Advisor.* She recently interviewed Bryant University’s Joseph J. Trunzo, Ph.D., chair of the school’s Department of Psychology and a researcher of anxiety and mood disturbances in chronic illness recovery. 

The discussion centered around professor Trunzo’s new book, Long Haul COVID, A Survivor’s Guide: Transform Your Pain & Find Your Way Forward, which is based on his mental health strategy of acceptance and commitment therapy, or “ACT.” The book is co-authored by Julie Luongo, a COVID long-hauler who offers a patient’s perspective and describes how she applied the techniques to her own situation.

The book covers several areas:

• Cognitive dysfunction’s long-term effects
• Redefining pain and overcoming Long COVID obstacles
• Proven coping methods for sickness, fear, and change 

What is ACT and why is it beneficial for long COVID patients?

Trunzo says ACT is part of “the third wave of behavioral psychotherapies” (following radical behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapies) which incorporates mindfulness and acceptance. ACT teaches people to adapt psychologically to unmanageable situations so they can live as best they can despite not feeling their best.

ACT is backed by more than 200 clinical studies. Research shows it is effective at helping people function better amidst conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic disease. The techniques and principles of ACT are designed to reduce suffering, regardless of condition.

How Mental Health Therapists Can ACT on Long COVID

Research has shown a high amount of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in the months following severe COVID-19. Experts say that many of these individuals, especially those with Long COVID, are often referred to respiratory or rehabilitation specialists, but should also be screened for mental health needs to help them recover both physically and mentally.

Trunzo explained that while mental health clinicians are accustomed to seeing anxiety and depression, they may not be used to treating it as part of a chronic disease. In his own practice, Trunzo likes assigning books between patient sessions to reinforce topics discussed during therapy. He suggests that mental health professionals could apply his book to treating Long COVID clients in the same way. Clients could read the book and work through the exercises between therapy sessions, then use the book as a reference for continuing to practice the principles and techniques on their own, which is critical for recovery and maintenance.

“At its core,” he says, “ACT is really about helping people alleviate suffering.” 

*Maslowski, M.B. (2022, April 8). Methods to “ACT” on “Long-Haul COVID” and Mental Health Issues. Psychiatry Advisor. https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/general-psychiatry/long-haul-covid-a-survivors-guide-to-transform-your-pain-and-find-your-way-forward

  If you’re in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention 24-hour Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text TALK to 741-741, or visit http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.