COVID-19 and Suicide Risk

Written By Delainne B.

COVID-19 can lead to depression, anxiety, and suicide. This is part of the illness and will get better with time. This article offers suicide resources for people feeling hopeless and for friends and family of someone needing help.

Updated February 22, 2026

Long COVID and Suicide Risk

Understanding the Emotional Impact — and Finding Support

covidCAREgroup Education Series

Long COVID does not only affect the body — it can profoundly affect the brain, emotions, and sense of identity. Many individuals living with persistent symptoms report depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, and feelings of hopelessness.

These reactions are not personal weakness.
They are increasingly recognized as part of the medical condition itself.

This article explains why Long COVID can increase suicide risk, what warning signs to watch for, and how individuals and families can find support.

Why Long COVID Can Affect Mental Health

Research shows that COVID-19 can impact the brain and nervous system in several ways that influence mood and emotional regulation.

Possible contributors include:

• Neuroinflammation affecting brain signaling
• Sleep disruption and fatigue
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
• Hormonal and immune system changes
• Cognitive impairment or “brain fog”
• Social isolation and loss of function

When these biological and life changes occur together, they can increase vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Importantly, this is not just psychological — it is biological, neurological, and situational.

You are not alone.

If Long COVID has changed your ability to think, work, or function, your emotional response is valid. You are not alone, and support exists.

What the Research Shows

Studies have found that individuals recovering from COVID-19 have higher rates of:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Cognitive impairment
• Post-traumatic stress symptoms

Some research also indicates an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior following COVID infection, particularly among those with persistent symptoms or functional decline.

This highlights why emotional support and early intervention are essential parts of Long COVID care.

Warning Signs That Someone May Need Help

Seek support urgently if someone with Long COVID expresses:

  • Hopelessness or feeling like a burden

  • Withdrawal from family or friends

  • Statements about wanting to disappear or die

  • Sudden calmness after distress

  • Increased substance use

  • Giving away belongings or saying goodbye

  • Extreme mood swings

  • Losing interest in activities

  • Talking about death or suicide

These signs should always be taken seriously.

If You Are Feeling Hopeless

If you are struggling right now, please know:

  • You are not alone

  • Many people with Long COVID experience these feelings

  • Your brain and body are under stress

  • Help is available

Reaching out is not failure — it is a step toward safety.

Immediate Help Resources (U.S.)

📞 Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Available 24/7, confidential, and free.

💬 Chat via 988lifeline.org

🚨 If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Support for Friends and Family

If someone you love is struggling:

• Listen without judgment
• Take their feelings seriously
• Encourage professional help
• Stay connected and present
• Remove access to harmful means if possible

You do not need to have the perfect words — showing up matters.

Long-Term Support Options

Many individuals with Long COVID benefit from structured emotional and advocacy support alongside medical care.

ProMedView offers:

✔ Chronic Illness Coaching & Advocacy
Support navigating care, communicating with providers, and managing uncertainty

✔ Long COVID Recovery Coaching
Guidance for pacing, stability, and recovery planning

These services focus on restoring safety, stability, and direction.

Recovery Is Possible

Many people with Long COVID do improve over time. Emotional symptoms often lessen as physical symptoms stabilize and individuals regain control of their lives.

If you are struggling, you deserve support now — not later.

If you are in crisis today, please contact 988 or your local emergency services. If you are struggling but safe, consider reaching out for structured support.

〰️

If you are in crisis today, please contact 988 or your local emergency services. If you are struggling but safe, consider reaching out for structured support. 〰️

How to Help Someone You Think May Be Suicidal

It can be frightening to realize that someone you care about may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Many people hesitate to act because they are unsure what to say, afraid of making things worse, or worried about overstepping.

But if someone is in emotional pain, silence can feel like abandonment. Compassionate presence can save lives.

Start With Empathy, Not Solutions

What feels manageable to you may feel overwhelming to them.
Avoid minimizing their experience or trying to “fix” the problem.

Instead, focus on:

• Listening without judgment
• Acknowledging their feelings
• Letting them know they matter

Simple statements like “I’m really glad you told me” or “I’m here with you” can make a powerful difference.

Ask Directly About Suicide

It is a myth that talking about suicide puts the idea into someone’s head.
If you are concerned, ask calmly and directly:

“Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

This shows that you care and gives them permission to be honest. Many people feel relief when someone finally asks.

Encourage Professional Support

You do not need to solve this alone.

Encourage your loved one to connect with someone trained to help, such as:

• A therapist or counselor
• A physician or psychiatrist
• A school or workplace counselor
• A trusted faith leader

Offer to help them make the call, schedule the appointment, or sit with them during the process.

Stay Present if Risk Is Immediate

If someone appears to be in immediate danger:

• Do not leave them alone
• Remove access to harmful items if possible
• Contact emergency services or crisis support

In the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Understand That Suicidal Thoughts Often Signal Pain, Not a Desire to Die

Many people who think about suicide do not truly want to die — they want relief from unbearable distress.

By listening, validating their experience, and helping them access care, you help create a path toward safety.

It’s Okay to Break Secrecy to Save a Life

If someone asks you to keep suicidal thoughts a secret, remember:

Protecting their life matters more than protecting their privacy.

Reaching out to professionals or trusted adults may feel uncomfortable, but it can be lifesaving.

📌 Key Reminder

You do not need the perfect words.
You only need to show up, listen, and help them connect to support.

Keep moving, keep breathing!

Brought to you by covidCAREgroup, connecting the dots of long COVID through education, research &resources.

COVID Care Group, LLC is not a healthcare provider and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Delainne B.
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