Supporting your mental health while in lockdown
RANDBURG – Akeso mental health facilities' Sandy Lewis shares some advice for residents staying at home during lockdown.
Some South Africans may find the idea of a three-week period at home, whether working remotely or having time to spend with family, an attractive prospect.
Others may dread the idea of being cut off from the outside world, alone, or in the company of a partner, or a few family members.
Clinical social worker and the head of therapeutic services at Akeso mental health facilities Sandy Lewis said, “In either case, many people are likely to find it challenging to stay at home for this period in lockdown, particularly as the Covid-19 pandemic is creating a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety. Some people may struggle with ‘cabin fever’ and social isolation. Others who have to work from home may find it difficult focusing on their job while having to contend with children playing around and demanding their attention.
“It is important to note that prolonged isolation can take a toll on mental health and we should look at ways to reduce the chances of becoming anxious or depressed. There are a number of measures that you can take to help you keep up your spirits as well as to support your physical and mental health during this time.”
She added that for those with families, the fact that we have fewer outlets to ‘escape’ family situations may well place additional psychological strain on us and on our relationships, and this has the potential to result in conflict between family members.
Given the uncertainties of the current situation, people may well be more irritable, tense and even volatile. It is a good idea to be conscious of and acknowledge this. There is a need for us all to be more understanding of one another at this time.
“It can be a good idea to discuss these issues with your adult loved ones. One could address this by saying, ‘Look, we’re all most likely going to be more reactive than normal under these circumstances – let’s try to be aware of this and be as sensitive to one another as possible.'”
Lewis said one could consider potential areas of conflict proactively and look at how you could reduce these.
Should you find yourself in a situation of an explosive conflict, you can usually diffuse it by taking a 15-minute timeout from one another, and getting a break on your own, even if it is to go out into the garden or to sit on the fire escape of your apartment block. In each case where you find tensions rising, ask yourself whether a particular issue is really worth the battle.
If your relationship has long-simmering underlying issues, try not to be fixated on these and make statements such as ‘you always do this’ and ‘you always let me down’. Rather try to focus on tackling day-to-day issues and dealing with current matters that require attention.
Take it one day at a time, rather than looking forward or trying to predict the future, as this can result in increased levels of anxiety, which may, in turn, cause you to either withdraw or overreact or turn to self-destructive behaviours.
She added, “If you find you are feeling overwhelmed consider how you can positively distract yourself with pleasant activities such as tending to your garden, cooking, reading, playing with your animals, watching a movie on TV, or indulging in your favourite hobby or learning a new one – anything that is pleasant and positive for you. Try to find activities that appeal to all of the senses.”
Related article:
