Rise in household stress levels a concern

Security company Fidelity ADT is concerned about the increasing levels of emotional stress during lockdown.

According to Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Fidelity ADT, they have definitely started to sense an increase in stress in households in the Fidelity ADT footprint, judging by the comments on WhatsApp and social media community groups regarding people requesting assistance for neighbours after hearing screams.

She said last week, the media also reported a concerning increase in the number of gender-based violence incidents.

“Precious Robinson, chairperson of SACSoWACH, a coalition of 33 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which is supporting the Department of Health with its coronavirus response, expressed concern and were quoted as saying: ‘The national government’s gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide command centre, which runs a toll-free, 24/ 7 emergency call centre, recorded that more than 120 000 victims rang the national helpline for abused women and children in the first three weeks after the lockdown started – double the usual volume of calls’.

This same concern was echoed by President Ramaphosa in his address to the nation recently.”

Hattingh said there are also a number of angry and threatening messages directed at neighbours, and those breaking the lockdown rules and the curfew.

“While this is not yet being reflected in the police statistics, it is definitely something to watch, as evidenced by the increase in calls and the number of loud family disturbances the company is responding to.”

She added that they don’t have any firm stats yet but in general, mental well-being is as big a concern under Covid-19 as is physical health.

“Although relatively little official research has been conducted around the effects of the pandemic on mental health, many of our customers are living with the emotional fallout of the crisis. From fear and anxiety of becoming infected and what that might mean for our families, to the stress of trying to keep children entertained (not to mention shielding them from the harsh realities of our current circumstances), to the isolation and loneliness that come with being locked down, and the frustration with spending prolonged periods with family members.”

Hattingh also mentioned that just a few weeks ago a police officer was tragically shot when he responded to a disturbance in Parkmore. The resident committed suicide after shooting the police officer.

The level of mental stress could definitely climb the longer we are on lockdown and the effects of the depressed economy are felt. If you are feeling stressed, you do not need to deal with it on your own,” she said.

According to Hattingh, the government website [https://www.gov.za/Coronavirus] has a list of toll-free numbers anyone who needs support can phone. Some of the main numbers are:

• SAPS gender-based violence service complaints (SAPS)

0800 333 177

complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za

• GBV (Gender-based Violence) Command Centre

0800 428 428 / *120*7867# (free from any cellphone)

SMS line: 32312

• Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Helpline

0800 150 150

• People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)

Tel: 011 642 4345

After-hours cellphone: 083 765 1235

• Childline

0800 055 555

• Lifeline South Africa

0800 012 322 (free on mobile networks and landlines)