We're all in the same storm - just in different boats!
The effect of COVID-19 on our mental health
South Africa has implemented one of the strictest lockdowns to combat COVID-19. Being locked up for so long has impacted all of us. Those enjoying more family time or avoiding stressful traffic are amazed by the positive effects of ‘slowing down’. For others, lockdown is not as enjoyable. The lockdown’s effect on people’s mental health varies per age group, occupation and state of health.
Children adapt to new situations better than adults but may pick up parents’ anxiety and fear. Returning to school will prove tricky as, pre-pandemic, parents kept them away from online activities, encouraged play or team sports for developmental reasons and were proud if a child showed empathy through hugging. Now, the reverse is true: children can’t touch one another; must avoid team sports; can’t handle library books and must remain 1.5 meters apart at all times. While anxiety can result in bad behaviour, talking to your child to understand said behaviour is important.
Being a teenager or young adult is already hard enough with trying to make sense of the world while undergoing hormonal changes. Teenagers are supposed to develop social skills by engaging with their peers, while emotionally ‘separating’ from parents. For now, they are ‘locked up’ with their parents and forced to engage with a fake-feeling online world. For many, the most painful part will be missing out on important experiences: matric dance, 18th and 21st birthday parties, a weekend road-trip with friends. Not being able to see girl- or boyfriends means stress is their reality. Give them room to share their feelings, listen without judgment and recognise and accept their disappointments.
Adults are overwhelmed with juggling home schooling; supporting parents, siblings and friends; learning new IT skills; attending boardroom meetings from home; job uncertainty or, worse, income loss. Healthcare and essential workers dealt with unbearable pressure and direct danger to their lives while others in beauty, hospitality or similar industries, can’t fathom when they might see their next salary. Add to this the everlasting guilt of not being able to do enough while knowing so many South Africans are starving during lockdown and it’s enough to unbalance even the most stable individual. Not being able to exercise, socialise or simply let off some steam with friends around a braai is, in some cases, beginning to lead to frustration. Suicide rates have also climbed during this time and we would encourage anyone experiencing these kinds of negative thoughts to seek help.
Senior citizens and the elderly tend to have pre-existing medical conditions as well as an increased risk of experiencing psychological distress when access to care becomes limited or when social distancing, quarantine and isolation are required. On top of this, they may face an unplanned retirement scenario at a stage in their lives where one should be travelling or seeing loved ones. Some, about to retire, may have lost businesses they spent their lives building and others big chunks of their pension funds. At this stage of life, it seems too late to restart, leaving feelings of utter helplessness and hopelessness. Adapting to a new world of video chats and online shopping is just not easy. Elderly people might, understandably, not be patient, interested and energetic enough to learn new tech skills. Their worries during this time are real and justified.
We all have emotions of fear, sadness, loneliness, depression, anger or irritation – just in different amounts and for different reasons.
Members with previous mental health issues are a concern to us too. Mental health requires a steady routine, social interaction and avoiding stress triggers – all of which seem outlandish during a pandemic. Like other chronic conditions, it is vital to manage mental health conditions diligently. Watch out for new or worsened symptoms and don’t wait to speak to your doctor if you feel different.
What can we do for ourselves and others?
- This storm too shall pass. The birds are still singing, the wind still blows. A new dawn will break.
- Congratulate yourselves, coming this far means all you will see this through to the end.
- Be kind, compassionate and tolerant. Understand that everybody fights a different fight.
- Don’t judge or stigmatise infected people. Encourage them to take care of themselves.
- Check in on friends and family, especially the more vulnerable. Adopt a granny if you can, call a neighbour or even become part of a support group.
- Be kind to yourself. Know that even the strongest among us are affected by this pandemic.
- Consume social media and news in small doses and only from reputable sources. Think before sharing news. Avoid sensational articles.
- Check yourself and loved ones for signs of mental struggle: fatigue, withdrawal, sleep irregularities, substance abuse, negativity, loss of interest, concentration problems, etc.
- Try a new hobby or improve your cooking, gardening or writing skills. Become creative again, free your imagination and do what you can to make yourself happy.
- Go outdoors. Boost your mood and immune system with fresh air and sunshine. Exercise is proven to be effective in mild forms of depression. Try the free online exercise programmes and remember to get up and walk around at least every hour.
- Ask for help. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or concerned about COVID-19 and its impact on your life. Reach out to support groups like SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) – a non-profit organisation that can give support for various challenges. They offer support groups as well as free telephonic counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 0800 70 80 90 for their depression and anxiety line or find more info at sadac.org