One of the key concerns of people with #longcovid is psychological safety. They wonder: Who can I be vulnerable with? If I tell my story will they judge me? Will I get fired? Will they treat me like I have leprosy? A nearly constant concern for many. CIBS Center

I've seen thousands of deeply traumatized individuals in clinics and research over the last 25 years. For vast numbers of people, #LongCovid is a trauma. #trauma #mentalhealth CIBS Center WesElyMD

Remember, Remember, Remember!!! Cognitive rehabilitation is NOT just for survivors of #TBI or #stroke! It is effective with diverse medical populations - patients with #CANCER, #HIV, #MultipleSclerosis, #Lupus, #LongCovid and more. #SLP CIBS Center

You are determined to change in 2024- to make different choices, to pivot in a new direction, to own your story, perhaps to live more authentically. Over a month in, your resolve is waning and you're tired and discouraged. I see you . . . don't give up . . . you've got this.

Cognitive testing is very effective at identifying deficits in a laboratory setting but less good at predicting how people will manage with these deficits in day to day life. A reminder: we must listen to patients and not rely soley on testing results. CIBS Center

I'm often reminded of the value of saying "I don't know." It's nothing to be ashamed of and there is no need to posture - if a patient asks you a question and you don't know the answer, just admit it. They will appreciate it. CIBS Center #LongCovid

A reminder - in relationships, anger often pushes people away but the sadness beneath the anger, if expressed instead, fosters intimacy. Encourage your patients to access pain and sadness and move past anger - this is where healing often begins. CIBS Center

Not long ago, I met a Lyft driver in Bozeman, MT. Had 2 life saving heart surgeries. Recovered and made profound changes - started praying, loving his friends and family, savoring the beauty of the mountains, embracing gratitude. Post traumatic growth, ya'll. CIBS Center

I once met a WWII Veteran who lives in my memory - he served proudly, building the Burma Road, battling malaria, snakes, and heat. Frail and looking every bit of 93, he was seeking treatment for PTSD for the very first time. It's never too late to ask for help! CIBS Center

A key goal for ICU survivors? Integration of identities . . finding ways to help people cobble together who they were before critical illness with who they are after critical illness - moving beyond narratives that draw bright read lines between "before" and "after" CIBS Center

Friends and colleagues - if you're feeling overwhelmed, consider RAIN: Recognize what is going on Allow the experience to be there, just as it is Investigate with kindness Natural awareness, which comes from not identifying with the experience. @TaraBrach

One underrated but crucial skill? Learning to write letters advocating for patients - letters to employers, colleges, insurance companies, disability boards. They should be specific, forceful, strong, and grounded in evidence. Carla Sevin, MD CIBS Center

The use of the term "anxiety" with individuals w/#LongCovid is controversial. Some clinicians use it to minimize and shame. And yet it occurs in many with chronic illness and is a problem in its' own right. Let's not over diagnose it AND let's not ignore it. CIBS Center

We published our first paper on cognitive impairment in ICU survivors in 2003. I remember how skeptical experts were of the idea that people could suffer cognitive decline after being critically ill. Let's not repeat this mistake with #LongCovid CIBS Center

Me: Have you tried therapy for your depression? Patient: I did. It wasn't effective so I stopped. Me: How many sessions did you have? Patient: 3 Let's help our patients understand that therapy takes time. KSchaferPhD

I'm fascinated and enamored with a new technique (new to me) that I've learned - having your "future self" write a letter to your "current self." If you're in the midst of a struggle right now, what guidance and encouragement could your "future self" provide? CIBS Center

For people with pre-existing mental health problems - millions of people - #Covid has been a potent amplifier - worsening their #depression, #anxiety, #PTSD, and #OCD and leading to disability and even death. We don't talk enough about these them. CIBS Center #longcovid

I've perhaps had one viral tweet - below. Processing speed deficits continue to be common and pervasive in people with cognitive impairment after Covid. Processing speed deficits can be impairing - both at home, at work, and in social interactions. CIBS Center

Speaking as a Christ following psychologist and PTSD researcher who also has #OCD, John MacArthur is wrong on all counts. Such misinformed commentary is far from benign and is actually profoundly harmful, contributing to feelings of shame and driving people from treatment.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome is a debilitating condition that impacts millions of people around the world. We're raising awareness of the struggles of many ICU survivors and having fun in the process. Join us this Fall in Nashville or at one of dozens of #Walk4pics sites.