Dealing with anxiety and depression during the third wave

UNCHARTERED waters, unknown territory or an unfamiliar threat – no matter what phrase you choose to describe the Covid-19 pandemic, the anxiety you’re feeling isn’t always irrational, says Durban North counselling psychologist, Rakhi Beekrum.

Beekrum said she found that more people are battling with anxiety and depression in the last 18 months, since the coronavirus pandemic started.

“I think lot of the anxiety that people are experiencing isn’t irrational. Anxiety is a very normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Covid is a real threat to so many things like our loved ones, our lives, our well-being, our jobs and finances. So I think anxiety has been justified for most people,“ she said.

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With regards to people who live alone, Beekrum found that depression sets in, especially older people.

“During the first lockdown we underestimated even non-personal contact whether it was having a conversation with a car guard or someone you run into at a grocery store who you don’t know. Lots of mothers who work from home now also feel isolated because they have no support systems.”

Beekrum said that a support system doesn’t necesarily have to only mean family and friends but can include colleagues as well. “Those random conversations with colleagues in the office passage is something that that we took for granted.”

Children have also experienced disruptions and have not had the chance to experience some big life events such as a matric dance, not being able to play with friends on the first day of school and not having physical classes.

“Children are resilient so how adaptable children are depends how adaptable parents are. I have to highlight that parents must take care of themselves first so they can be at their best for the children,” she said. Beekrum added that is parents reacted in a less anxious way to the pandemic, naturally their children would to.

“Reassure your children and find solutions to what your child is experiencing. Don’t invalidate their feelings because it’s traumatic for them too. Not being able to go to a matric dance may seem small compared to what a parent may be going through but for the child, it is a huge part of his or her life that has been lost. These are coming of age experiences that they have been robbed off,” she said.

Even before Covid, there was a huge mental health burden says Beekrum but the virus has far escalated it as one of the main issues causing depression is financial issues.

“Most people have been affected financially by the Covid-19 pandemic and even psychiatrics hospitals have been full.”

So, what can you do if you’ve been feeling anxious recently?

Beekrum advises the following:

• Plan activities that make you feel productive, so your focus is not solely on the virus.

• Balance productivity and rest.

• Stay informed but limit your reading about the virus to one reputable source, for not more than a few minutes per day only

• Don’t spend too much time on social media

• Read

• Pray

• Journal

• Connect with loved ones online.

• Focus on what you are grateful for, despite this setback

“If you’re an older person living alone old-fashioned letter writing and making time capsules for grandchildren are also great ways to keep busy. Organise a socially-distanced walk or event, but don’t feel scared to reach out. Doing something good for someone else, like offering to buy groceries or run and errand, is also a way to life one’s spirits,” said Beekrum.