SADAG provides tips on how to cope during the lockdown
The outbreak of Covid-19 and the country's lockdown may be stressful for many people, causing fear and anxiety.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has provided helpful tips for those who are feeling overwhelmed during this time.
• Maintain a daily routine as much as possible – create a to-do list.
• Reduce the time you and your family spend watching television or listening to media coverage. Only check these sites at specific times of the day. For example, at 8am, 1pm and 9pm.
• If you take medicine every month, speak to your medical scheme and pharmacist to get scripts filled in advance or arrange for home delivery.
• Do small things every day that you enjoy to help lift your mood.
• Mute keywords which might be triggering on Twitter, unfollow or mute accounts, mute WhatsApp groups and hide Facebook posts and feeds if you find them too overwhelming.
• Ask yourself what you can control, your attitude, your thoughts, your home, caring for your body and mind. Focus on these things.
• Make it a part of your daily routine to reach out to friends and family. Have a sense of connection with them so they can bring hope and healing.
SADAG helplines provide free telephonic counselling, contact them on 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 70 80 90.
