Is load-shedding adding to your stress?
Wits Professor and clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychology Maria Marchetti-Mercer is conducting crucial psychological research to understand the mental health impact of load-shedding.
“Mental health is a crucial part of our overall well-being, and factors like poverty, violence, inequality, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the ongoing energy crisis can have a detrimental impact on our psychological health.”
She says she is surprised there has been a lack of comprehensive academic research on the psychological effects of load-shedding. “The only exception is a recent online survey by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), which involved 1 831 participants and found an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety linked to ongoing load-shedding.
“Load-shedding disrupts our routines and causes widespread inconvenience. It’s become a morning habit for many of us to check the Eskomsepush App on our phones, just to check our load-shedding schedule and plan our day accordingly. Despite a short respite during winter, the recent return to higher stages has brought back disruptions on a massive scale.”
She says from an economic perspective, load-shedding has hit the nation’s economy hard, especially affecting small businesses.
“It’s not just the inconvenience; it is causing significant financial stress for individuals and businesses that rely on electricity for their livelihoods.”
This crisis comes after the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic, which also negatively impacted ‘our economy and social lives’.
“Amid the discussions about the economic fallout caused by unreliable energy supply, there’s been surprisingly little attention paid to how it’s affecting the mental well-being of South Africans.
“Many of us feel helpless in the face of these persistent disruptions, which impact various aspects of our lives. We are constantly juggling family, social, and work commitments around the load-shedding schedule.”
She says people are now more aware of their vulnerabilities, especially in a society already dealing with safety concerns. “Some people opt to stay home at night to avoid travelling on dark roads or returning to a house without lights. There are also health and physical well-being risks, especially for those relying on electrically powered medical devices.”
This is why, she says, there is an urgent need for thorough psychological research to be conducted to understand the mental health impact of load-shedding better.
“This research can also help advocate for improved access to mental health services and the development of more suitable psychological support.”
She and the rest of the team of researchers are conducting the first comprehensive academic study to explore the psychological consequences of the ongoing energy crisis on South African residents.
“We believe that this information is important to lobby for better psychological services for all South Africans.”
To participate in the survey, visit https://redcap.link/5ughbv2x or scan the QR code below.
If you are feeling stressed or frustrated, speak to a family member, friend, or a counsellor. The CIPLA Mental Health toll-free line is available 24 hours on 0800 456 789. You can also WhatsApp 076 882 2775.
Related article:
