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Common psychological issues

In this section, we've provided some basic information and advice on the common psychological and emotional issues that many patients face after getting home. These include feeling anxious, low or irritable, having flashbacks, mood swings, poor concentration and problems sleeping. Worrying about money can also be a real concern. Not everyone will face these issues, and some may find them more troublesome than others.We've provided some general advice which we hope you find useful.

It's important to remember that, for some people, psychological or emotional problems arise late in the recovery process, often once they returned to normal. This can be quite difficult for a number of reasons. Some people hide or feel guilty about these issues when they feel that their family has already been through enough and they want to appear strong for everyone else. It's never too late or too difficult to get the help you need.

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Web Link: ICU Support Groups

Some people find it really helpful to talk with others who have been through similar experiences to their own. This is the weblink to ICUsteps website with details of support groups for patient and families across the UK. It will tell you more about the groups, who they are, what they do and when the meetings are held. Several groups across the country (eg Chester, Edinburgh & Brighton) are currently offering online or "virtual" support group meetings which you can join...

Article: Irritability and mood swings

It is common to feel that your emotions are "all over the place" after having spent time in Intensive Care.Patients often tell us that it is only after they got home or are more physically able, that the emotional side of what has happened comes to the fore. There are many reasons why you might feel like this, all of which are perfectly understandable. Not knowing or not remembering how you ended up in Intensive Care, or what happened while you were there, for example,...

Web Link: Loneliness (NHS advice)

All of us can feel lonely sometimes, whether we have strong connections with family and friends or not. This link will take you to the NHS webpages on loneliness.On it, you'll find a wealth of information, advice and support on a range of other issues including anxiety, stress, depression, grief, etc. There are some simple self-assessment tools and guidance to help you understand how you're feeling right now, the things you can do to help yourself, the types of support that might...

Web Link: Loneliness in the pandemic (20 minute podcast)

This link will take you to a podcast on loneliness during the pandemic, from UK Government's Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In it, you'll hear advice, top tips and stories from four people who have struggled with loneliness in recent months. It's around 20 minutes long. We hope you find it helpful.

Web Link: Loneliness: NHs and UK Government website

Many people have experienced loneliness during the pandemic. Loneliness can be particularly tough when recovering after a hospital stay due to COVID, especially while we might not be able to connect with family and friends, and access social support in the way that we normally would. This link will take you to the UK Government and NHS website, "Let's Talk Loneliness". On it, you'll find advice and tips on dealing with loneliness during the pandemic, organisations who can...

Web Link: Mental health & money advice (website)

This link will take you to the Mental Health and Money Advice website. There are dedicated versions of the website for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Cymru. There is clear and practical information, advice and support for people with mental health and money worries, and for the people who care about them. You'll find up-to-date information on welfare benefits, managing money and debts, and support with mental health care.

Web Link: Mental Health Foundation (website)

This link will take you to the Mental Health Foundation website, with dedicated versions for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This link will take you to their pages on mental health and well-being during the pandemic, with advice and support for all age groups. You'll find top tips and support on a wide range of issues including: loneliness, relationships and parenting, working from home, acts of kindness, dealing with change, loss and bereavement,getting through Winter, and...

Web Link: Mind: mental health charity

This link will take you to the mental health charity, Mind. On it, you'll find really helpful information on a wide range of mental health problems, information on drugs and therapies, tips for dealing with everyday life, and a wealth of information about where to find help (or help someone you care about). You can read about and watch short videos about other people's experiences. There is also a helpline, which is available from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank...

Article: Poor concentration

Patients often tell us that they suffer from poor concentration after Intensive Care. You might struggle to read a newspaper or a book, for example, or you might struggle to follow a television programme or film. Patients also tell us that they often lose interest or "can't be bothered" with some of the things they really enjoyed before, such as listening to music or watching football on the television.This is usually temporary and will start to improve as you recover. It...