Mental health tips for the holidays – SADAG

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is encouraging residents to take care of their mental health this festive season.

According to SADAG operations manager, Cassey Chambers, the group notices a change in the type of calls that it receives during the holiday period.

“Because we associate the festive season with family time, loved ones, presents and festivities, we forget that for a lot of people, and a lot of South Africans, this is not their reality,” Chambers says.

Chambers adds that coming to the end of the year, people may be feeling burnt out, stressed by financial issues and relationship problems as well as worrying about how to get Christmas food on the table.

“We hear a lot more about loneliness, depression and financial issues. So at SADAG while we don’t see a spike in the number of calls over the festive season, the nature of, or the reason why people are calling is very different,” she says.

“We also get a lot of elderly people reaching out over the holidays, a lot of them are alone. They can be dealing with loneliness or their first holiday without their significant other or chronic illnesses, there are just so many different factors that contribute and I think that the festive season puts on this pressure that everything must be perfect,” Chambers explains.

SADAG receives thousands of calls daily from every demographic, though Chambers says that the most common group is the youth.

“Majority of our calls come from the youth, between the ages of 18 and 35. It could be for many reasons, especially toward the end of the year. Whether it be studying, waiting for results, family dynamics or depression, there are just so many contributing factors that our young people are dealing with.

On top of that, traumatic incidents such as gender-based violence (GBV), accidents or some other life-changing event can have a deep impact on mental health,” Chambers says.

The role of the media portraying the holiday season is said to also be a factor that leads to the decline of mental well-being. From shopping mall decorations to bright colourful ads depicting family-filled fun, the portrayal of the festive period may not be a reality for lots of people.

According to SADAG, South Africa records 23 suicides a day and for every suicide there are at least 20 attempts. Chambers says while looking at the stats, it’s important to note that these are real people. She insists that suicide prevention is a topic that should be discussed all year round to assist those who feel that they have no alternative.

“My message for the Christmas season is to really check in with our loved ones. Especially if you know that they’ve had a difficult year. Check-in by asking ‘How are you doing?’ or saying ‘Let’s talk’ or ‘I’m worried about you’. Sometimes connected conversation could literally save a life,” she advises.

Chambers recommends checking in with yourself before the festive period begins should you expect a difficult time. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, that you have resources to reach out to in times of need, practising self-care and getting some physical activity.

Chambers says especially matriculants can feel overwhelmed waiting for their results.

“The biggest thing that we recommend to matric learners is finding that downtime and not just crashing out but doing something they enjoy which may not have been available to them whilst studying for their exams. Connecting with family and friends, going out or physical activity can help settle the nerves, especially during that waiting period which you cannot rush. Look at things you can control,” Chambers says.

Matrics can often sit and wallow in negative thoughts surrounding their pending results and it is recommended not to ruminate but actively engage the mind by keeping busy.

“Connecting and talking again is very important, this is where the tips come in for parents. As a matric learner, you’re dealing with all of these worries, connecting and asking questions, sometimes talking about it will elevate that anxiety,” she concludes.

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