How does meningitis affect you mentally?
Neurological and psychological symptoms
Meningitis can cause a range of neurological and psychological symptoms, including:
* Headaches
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Neck stiffness
* Photophobia (sensitivity to bright light)
* Confusion
* Drowsiness
* Seizures
* Psychotic episodes
* Personality changes
* Memory problems
* Speech problems
* Vision problems
* Hearing loss
Mental health after meningitis
People who have had meningitis may also experience a range of mental health problems afterwards, such as:
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
* Bipolar disorder
* Schizophrenia
These mental health problems can be very distressing and can have a significant impact on a person's life. They may make it difficult to work, attend school, or build relationships.
Risk factors for mental health problems after meningitis
There are a number of risk factors for developing mental health problems after meningitis, such as:
* The severity of the infection
* The length of time the infection lasted
* The type of bacteria that caused the infection
* The age of the person who had the infection
* The presence of other medical conditions
Treatment for mental health problems after meningitis
Mental health problems after meningitis can be treated with a range of therapies, such as:
* Medication
* Psychotherapy
* Support groups
* Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek treatment if you are experiencing any mental health problems after meningitis. These problems can be very distressing and can have a significant impact on your life, but they can be effectively treated.
