SADAG survey reveals shocking stress levels
SADAG reveals findings of online survey of mental health amid Covid-19.
Since the start of lockdown, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has been receiving an increasing number of calls from people feeling anxious, lonely, worried and depressed.
According to Cassey Chambers, SADAG’s Operations Director, many callers are stressed about a combination of issues, including the spread of Covid-19, finances, relationship problems, job security, grief, gender-based violence and trauma.
She said SADAG conducted an online survey on mental health during the Covid-19 lockdown via various online platforms including their website, newsletter members, Facebook and Twitter.
“Within 10 days there were over 1 200 participants (1 214 respondents) who completed the short, seven-minute survey asking participants about their home life, their mental health before and during lockdown, how they accessed information, and what coping tips helped them to manage their mental health during the lockdown.
While a massive 92 people supported the lockdown, 65 percent of those who completed the survey felt stressed or very stressed during lockdown.”
The main challenges experienced during lockdown included:
1. anxiety and panic – 55 percent
2. financial stress and pressure – 46 percent
3. depression – 40 percent
4. poor family relations – 30 percent
5. thinking about suicide – 12 percent
6. substance abuse – six percent
Respondents also shared the top activities that helped them feel better during lockdown, which included:
1. getting some exercise and chatting to someone – 50 percent
2. watching a film/ TV show (not the news) – 48 percent
3. doing housework or a home project – 44 percent
4. sharing a meal with family members – 35 percent
SADAG provides these support services during this difficult time:
• Online toolkit on www.sadag.org comprising articles, coping tips, podcasts, online videos, etc.
• SMSing 31393 will ensure that a counsellor calls back (available 24 hours a day)
• Helplines provide free telephonic counselling on 0800 21 22 23, 0800 70 80 90, 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), 0800 12 13 14 (24 hours). The Suicide Crisis Helpline number is 0800 567 567 (24 hours a day)
• WhatsApp chat (076 88 22 77 5) with a counsellor seven days a week from 9am to 4pm
• Daily expert online Q&A on SADAG’s Facebook page, The South African Depression and Anxiety Group
