For a vast majority of people, vaccines have provided a welcome armor against infectious diseases, often with few or minor side effects. However, in the ever-evolving narrative surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines, we are beginning to observe a pattern that merits closer scrutiny, especially when it comes to unusual psychiatric symptoms.
A Personal Journey
Dr. Patrick William Slater, a 60-year-old neurotologist from Austin, became a central figure in this unfolding story. Leading an active lifestyle and enjoying hobbies like hunting, Dr. Slater's life took a drastic turn post-vaccination. Within weeks of receiving his second dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, he began experiencing symptoms of cerebellar ataxia, impacting basic bodily functions.
Perhaps most harrowing of all were the recurring panic attacks that plagued his nights. To describe them as merely "panic attacks" would be a disservice. Dr. Slater recounted experiencing "abject terror" and was even driven to consider suicide due to the intensity of his suffering.
Despite seeking professional medical advice, a definitive cause for these newfound ailments remained elusive. However, for Dr. Slater, the connection between the onset of his symptoms and his vaccination was too evident to ignore.
Observations from the Medical Community
Dr. Slater is not an isolated case. An uptick in psychiatric illnesses post-COVID vaccination has become a growing concern. Dr. Amanda McDonald, a practicing psychiatrist, noticed an unsettling trend among her stable patients. Many presented with exacerbated or new psychiatric symptoms like insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Most perplexing of all were the atypical panic attacks that seemed to intensify during the evening.
This clinical observation wasn't restricted to Dr. McDonald's practice. Dr. Diane Counce, a neurologist and neuroradiologist, and Scott Marsland, a nurse practitioner at the Leading Edge Clinic, have also seen a surge in patients with severe anxiety, mood changes, insomnia, hallucinations, and even suicidal tendencies.
The Data Tells a Story
Drawing a direct line between the COVID-19 vaccines and psychiatric illnesses has been challenging due to a lack of conclusive proof. However, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting a potential connection. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a surveillance tool co-managed by the CDC and FDA, has seen a surge in reports linked to COVID-19 vaccines.
From this data, we can glean:
- Over 9,400 reports of anxiety.
- More than 1,600 reports of depression.
- About 1,500 accounts of panic attacks, which make up over 80% of VAERS reports of panic attacks.
- Over 1,100 cases of hallucinations.
- Nearly 1,000 reports of irritability.
For many, the COVID-19 vaccines represent hope and a path back to normalcy. However, for a segment of the vaccinated population like Dr. Slater, their experience has been far from the norm. As with all medical interventions, it's crucial to continue monitoring, researching, and understanding the broader implications of these vaccines. The health of our global community depends on it.
More Bad News for the Vaccinated: The Unexpected Psychiatric Effects