When lockdown and living alone is no laughing matter
Pre-existing mental health conditions could certainly be exacerbated by the lockdown, experts say.
The effects of the nationwide lockdown, regardless of the level of regulations, are felt not only financially but also bear heavy on a person’s emotional state. For many, being confined to their homes and being unable to work could be the worst situation imaginable.
Loneliness could have mental health implications. For many people, this is a worrying amount of alone time, when they are forced to face themselves, their fears and anxieties alone, says The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Board Chairperson, Psychiatrist and Psychologist, Dr Frans Korb.
“The 2,5 % of the population who are living with bipolar disorder are faced with additional challenges as the symptoms of the disorder (depressed mood or mood elevation) can sometimes become activated without any clearly identified external precipitant. Bipolar disorder is strongly reactive to stress.” And suddenly, with the lockdown, everything which is normally advised, like activities, seeing friends, getting fresh air, is completely out of bounds.
SADAG has been receiving more calls since the start of lockdown from people feeling anxious, lonely, worried and depressed.
“Many callers are stressed about a combination of issues including the spread of Covid-19, their finances, relationship problems, job security, grief, gender-based violence and trauma,” the group says in a recent newsletter.
“Covid-19 and the lockdown have affected many South Africans, and it has had a serious impact on people living with a mental health issue, often causing heightened symptoms. We have been receiving calls from people with no history of anxiety or depression who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and stressed”, SADAG’s Operations Director, Cassey Chambers says.
In an online survey on mental health during the lockdown, responded to by 1 214 participants they answered questions about their home life, their mental state of health before and during lockdown, how they accessed information, and what coping tips helped them to manage their mental health during the lockdown.
A total of 92% of the respondents supported the lockdown, while 65% of the respondents felt stressed. Females formed 85% versus 15% male respondents while 48% of respondents were between the ages of 26 and 45 years old. A total of 62% respondents said they were currently employed, with 38% unemployed at the time of the survey, and 59% of respondents said they were diagnosed with a mental health issue prior to lockdown. Altogether 12% of respondents were suffering from bipolar disorder.
“These conditions could certainly be exacerbated by the lockdown,” says Dr Korb, “particularly if the individual lives alone or in a dysfunctional home situation.”
A total of 16% of the respondents do live alone, and Korb said this may be especially problematic for them. Among the main challenges experienced during lockdown are anxiety and panic (55%), financial stress and pressure (46%), depression (40%) and feeling suicidal (12%).
The top five activities that helped respondents feel better during the lockdown:
- Getting some exercise (50%).
- Chatting to someone (50%).
- Watching a film/TV show (not the news) (48%).
- Doing housework or a home project (44%).
- Sharing a meal with family members (35%).
Support during lockdown is available, and SADAG is providing support services during this difficult time
▪ Online toolkit on www.sadag.org providing articles, coping tips, podcasts and online videos.
▪ SMS 31393 and a counsellor will call 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) and the Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567 (24 hours)
▪ WhatsApp chat (076 88 22 77 5) with a counsellor seven days a week from 09:00 until 16:00.
▪ Daily expert online Q&A on SADAGs Facebook page: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
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