Psychology - Long COVID Fatigue Psychology Service

Long COVID

An estimated 2 million people living in the UK (3.1% of the population) experience long COVID (ONS January 2023). Long COVID is defined as signs, symptoms and conditions that develop after an initial COVID-19 infection. Over 200 different symptoms have been reported affecting multiple organ systems. Fatigue is the most common problematic symptom reported.

Fatigue Symptoms

Some symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Experiencing a marked reduction in activity
• Being unable to work, or having to take days off sick
• Not being able to socialise or partake in hobbies and leisure activities
• Not being able to do housework or look after children
• Spending several hours a day sleeping or resting
• Worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion
• Delayed onset of fatigue typically worsening 24-48 hours after activity.

When might it be helpful to see our service?

Living with fatigue from Long COVID can be difficult and may impact on many areas of your life and emotional wellbeing.

You may find that the emotional support you gain from your friends or family is enough to help you cope. However, if you need more support to cope, our team may be able to help.

Our Long Covid Fatigue Psychology service supports adults living with fatigue following a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. We provide individualised support to manage symptoms associated with fatigue and its impact on psychological wellbeing. We offer a safe and private space to explore worries around your health and different ways of coping.

Our Team

Our psychology led team comprises of clinical and counselling psychologists, supported by an assistant psychologist. The team sit within the clinical health psychology department at Salford Royal and feed into the multidisciplinary Long COVID services in Salford and across Greater Manchester. We work closely with other healthcare colleagues to make sure all aspects of your care are supported.

What will happen when I am referred?

Initially, you will be offered an assessment by one of our qualified psychologists to understand your difficulties and determine what support is best suited based on your needs. It may be in some instances we decide together that an onward referral to another service will be helpful initially. This could include other services within the Long COVID pathway, primary or secondary care mental health services, drug and alcohol services or urgent care services.

If we decide you are best supported within our team, you may be offered individual support or a group intervention.

Common areas of work include:

• Energy management strategies, including pacing*
• Managing the psychological impact of fatigue
• Developing self-care strategies
• Increasing quality of life

*Pacing is an energy management approach to balance activity and rest to reduce post exertional malaise (often known as crashes).

We offer face-to face, video call and telephone appointments, please discuss which format suits you best with the clinician at the time of your assessment.

Will my information be confidential?

The psychologist will take notes during or after your appointment, these are separate from your medical records and are stored securely and confidentially. It is routine procedure for the psychologist to provide a summary letter of any assessment or support provided to your medical team. This letter can be helpful in highlighting particular psychological needs which could be addressed in order to support you through the process. This letter will be stored with your medical notes, and you will be provided with a copy of this letter.

If there is anything you want to remain confidential, this will be respected wherever possible, subject to the need to consider the safety of yourself and others.

Referral Information

If you would like to be seen within the service, please ask a healthcare professional involved in your care to make a referral.

Contact Information

Long COVID Fatigue Psychology Service
Clinical Health Psychology Department
Clinical Sciences Building
Salford Royal
Stott Lane
M6 8HD
Phone number: 0161 206 5588
Website: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/long- covid-fatigue-psychology-service

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Local Support Groups

Manchester and Trafford Long COVID Peer Support Group
This is a weekly online group open to anyone living in Greater Manchester. For more information please contact:
Telephone: 07702668169
Email: contact@gmlongcovid.org

We Recover Long COVID Support Group
This group is for people who still have ongoing symptoms of COVID and want to share their experiences. Both virtual and face-to-face sessions are available.
Telephone: 0800 952 1000
Email:  health.improvement@salford.gov.uk