Seek professional help before ‘these challenging times’ consumes your mental health

Local counselling therapist Nadine van Rensburg shared some tips on how to keep yourself mentally healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a newsletter she published on her website recently she said when she first heard about the pandemic she realised that it would bring enormous change.

“And knowing that human beings do not like change, I knew resistance to accept the change would be the order of the day.”

She also pondered the different types of suffering and even she felt overwhelmed at times, especially with not completely understanding the impact the pandemic would have.

“I knew that people would suffer and my passion for people led me to jump into action to prepare preventative mental coping skills to be able to help more people, as I understood that the need would become bigger as time progressed.”

She also took into consideration that apart from experiencing their own mental challenges many people would suffer to cope with the grief of losing loved ones, losing income and losing connection with others, to name but a few.

“We are definitely experiencing a mental health crisis based on this pandemic, and while we are focusing on keeping ourselves safe from the virus, we cannot help to think what are we doing to keep ourselves safe mentally, and cope with the stress and emotional roller coaster that comes with all of this?”

Nadine said taking control of what we can control is fundamental at this stage. She also shared some basic steps one can follow:

• Step 1 – Build awareness about not only your loved ones, but about everyone you come in contact with.
• Step 2 – Keep yourself grounded not to suppress reality or to hyper-reflect on what is currently happening. (Take a break from watching, reading or listening to news and social media.)
• Step 3 – Take care of your body. Breathe, stretch, meditate, eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco and any other substances.
• Step 4 – Make time to unwind. Try to do an activity that you enjoy, but do take the necessary precautions.
• Step 5 – Connect with others in a safe way as much as possible. Counselling sessions can help a lot here as well.
• Step 6 – Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of social distancing, it is especially important to stay connected with friends and family. Helping others cope with the stress through phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely and isolated.

“Remember that suffering brings tension that shows us what ought not to be! Understand that the feelings of uncertainty and sadness towards different levels are normal, but also do not try to be stronger than you normally are. Rather seek professional help before this challenging time consumes your mental health. You are not alone and help is one phone call away. Take care and stay safe.”