TUH releases video for people living with long term Covid-19

In honor of World Innovation Day, Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) has released an informative and accessible self-help YouTube video for those living with long-term Covid-19, reports Avery Lin.

Commonly reported symptoms of Long Covid include debilitating fatigue, cognitive dysfunction or ‘brain fog’ alongside shortness of breath and pain and anxiety or low moods.

These experiences can make it very difficult for Long Covid patients to accomplish daily tasks or to return to work, causing distress for themselves and those supporting them.

Dr Melanie Ryberg, Principal Specialist Clinical Psychologist at TUH said: “‘Long Haulers’ are frequently faced with the enormous and daunting task of adjusting to a changed body and mind, to a new and highly uncertain reality.”

In the video, Dr Ryberg along with Dr. Susan O’Flanagan, Principal Specialist Clinical Psychologist and Dr Ray Owen, UK-based Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Health Psychologist discusses how to cultivate the ‘psychological flexibility’ to lead meaningful lives even with symptoms.

The concept of ‘Psychological Flexibility’ comes from the therapeutic approach ‘Acceptance and Commitment Therapy’ (ACT), which has been shown to improve the lives of people experiencing a range of physical and mental conditions.

“Psychology has much to offer those living with this new multi-system and poorly understood physiological condition, not as a treatment to cure but rather as a tool to manage,” reports Dr. Ryberg.

“It is essential that we do everything we can to provide them with the right kind of support to live as well as possible, and continue to do so until such time as it is no longer needed.”

Dr. Natalie Cole, Head of Innovate Health at TUH told The Echo: “With so many people looking for ways to manage their symptoms or families and friends looking to support patients with Long Covid, this very accessible video makes the core concepts of ACT readily accessible, offering support during the period people may be waiting to see a Psychologist.”

The resource was made possible by the Adelaide Health Foundation’s Innovation Fund.