Social isolation sees spike in depression and anxiety
Ballito psychologist Lisa Grant-Stuart, who has a special interest in trauma and general anxiety and depression, said social isolation had made pre-existing depression much harder to cope with.
People living with depression and anxiety in Ballito and Salt Rock are finding it hard to cope during the pandemic.
Ballito psychologist Lisa Grant-Stuart, who has a special interest in trauma and general anxiety and depression, said social isolation had made pre-existing depression much harder to cope with.
She said she previously saw about 20 people a week in Ballito, which had remained unchanged, but of those who had previously been coping well prior to lockdown, many had deteriorated.
“I would say five of the 20 are really struggling and there have been several cases where people have lost their jobs. In addition, some people who already had depression went into lockdown on their own and their depression spiraled,” said Grant-Stuart.
The Ballito resident has been practicing in Ballito for the past 10 years.
For those who are struggling she recommended keeping in touch with a doctor or therapist, sometimes daily; structuring of the person’s day as much as hour by hour for severe cases; maintaining
a good bedtime routine; exercising and getting exposure to sunlight and sometimes an increase in medication dosages (subject to medical recommendation).
Grant-Stuart holds a masters degree in psychology that she obtained at University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Salt Rock psychologist Kerry Roberts also reported a sudden increase in all mental health problems including anxiety and depression.
However, she said some clients who had struggled with depression actually managed well in the three weeks of lockdown.
“The lockdown gave those that were overworked or overcommitted some rest and quality time with their families.”
Roberts said the lockdown had also put strain on marriages but that this was not always detrimental.
“Some marital or relationship conflicts have arisen as couples were not used to being together all the time. Many couples were successfully able to work through these difficulties and establish a relationship that is deeper than was prior to the lockdown,” said Roberts.
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