High levels of anxiety ‘worrying’ during lockdown
Paramedics and emergency services had received increased reports of suicides during the lockdown.
Depression and anxiety assistance groups have noticed an uptick of people feeling anxious, lonely, worried and depressed since the start of the lockdown.
Paramedics and emergency services had received increased reports of suicides.
“Covid-19 and the lockdown has affected many South Africans, and it has had a serious impact on people living with a mental health issue, often making their symptoms heightened,” said South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Operations Director Cassey Chambers.
“SADAG has been receiving calls from people with no history of anxiety or depression who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and stressed.”
SADAG recently conducted an online survey on mental health during the Covid-19 lockdown via various online platforms including their website, newsletters, Facebook and Twitter.
Within 10 days there were over 1 200 participants who completed the short survey asking participants about their home life, their mental health before and during the lockdown, how they accessed information and what coping tips helped them to manage their mental health during the lockdown.
While a massive 92% of the respondents supported the lockdown – 65% of the people who completed the survey felt stressed or very stressed during it.
The majority of respondents were from Gauteng which accounted for 60%, while 17% were from the Western Cape.
CERT-SA spokesperson Ruan Heyns said since the President announced level 4 of the lockdown last month, there had been an increase in call-outs for accidents and suicides.
Heyns said the increase in suicide attempts was worrying.
“The increase is not only in attempted suicides but also in suicides,” he said.
The uptick in crime was also noted by Bull Security.
“We have noted a massive spike in domestic violence and suicide cases over the entire lockdown period,” said spokesperson French Jooste.
SADAG provided the following tips to help alleviate stress and anxiety during the lockdown:
- Maintain a daily routine as much as possible – get up, get dressed, create a to-do list, etc.
- Reduce the time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage – filter what you are watching, reading and listening to.
- Yes, the situation is frightening, it’s frustrating, and you feel out of control. Acknowledge that and allow yourself specific time to sit with those feelings – and then make sure you focus more time on the things you can control and do. Do small things every day that you enjoy and help lift your mood.
- If you take medicine every month, speak to your medical scheme and pharmacist to get scripts filled in advance or arrange for home delivery.
- If you are struggling to cope with the situation, don’t be afraid to speak up.
SADAG can be reached via their suicide emergency hotline on 0800-567-567 or 24-hour hotline 0800-456-789.
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