Useful tips to help cope with the stress brought on by Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has shaken the security of our usual routines and presents a new, and therefore largely unknown, threat that is a source of significant stress and anxiety for many people.

A potentially prolonged, gradual easing of national restrictions combined with the invisible and ever-present threat of the virus is causing a lingering sense of uncertainty for many South Africans.

“South Africa’s response to the Covid-19 threat has left the country in a pre-traumatic state characterised by high levels of uncertainty, a sense of diminished control and high levels of fear and helplessness,” said Health Squared’s consulting clinical psychologist, Rucksana Christian.

“While this may feel overwhelming at times, it is an entirely normal reaction to the unfolding situation.

“Social distancing is a preventative measure in limiting the transmission of the virus; however, it can also be isolating for many people.

“Lack of social support and the disruption to our daily lives can amplify fears about the virus and the unknowable consequences it may bring, to the point where these fears may become incapacitating,” she pointed out.

She further explained that essential workers could be at risk of feeling helpless.

“Essential service personnel, such as frontline health workers, security and supermarket staff, could potentially experience feelings of helplessness due to the possible exposure risks they face in the line of duty on a daily basis,” she said.

“A useful strategy for coping with these sources of stress is to focus one’s efforts on moving from a mental space of fear to one of a sense of control.

“When we take charge of the situation, we feel more empowered.”

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Christian provided the following useful tips to help regain this sense of control:

• Create predictability in your own life, maintain a routine to help keep focused.

• Equip yourself with the facts that come from reliable and validated sources only. Avoid social media and do not entertain rumours on the subject of Covid-19.

• Be aware of your response, acknowledge your emotions and engage the rational mind.

• Learn to control your emotional responses and to stay calm.

• Remain focused on your goals and purpose, accepting that these may now need to be attained in different ways.

• Be flexible and consider how you may need to adapt your plans.

• Stay positive and trust the national processes in place.

• Use lockdown time to get closer to achieving your goals.

• Be mindful and focus on the present.

“Focusing your energy on aspects that are within your control and making the best of enforced time at home can reduce feelings of fear and helplessness about the situation,” said Christian.

“If you are having difficulty coping, reach out for support.”

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments.

As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed

Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.

A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.

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