The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has offered a number of helpful tips to manage stress and fear during the lockdown:
- Maintain a daily routine as far as possible. Get up, get dressed, create a to-do list etc.
- Reduce the amount of time you spend watching news channels.
Operations director of Sadag, Cassey Chambers said, “Don’t have the radio or news channel playing in the background at home. Learn what you can from these respected sources.”
Chambers suggested setting specific times to check for news so as to not become overwhelmed by it.
- Create a list of things you can do to keep yourself busy and active.
“Yes, the situation is frightening, it’s frustrating, and you feel out of control. Acknowledge that and allow yourself specific time to sit with those feelings – and then make sure you focus more time on the things you can control and do,” said Chambers.
Some ideas include reading books, gardening, watching your favourite movies, taking on a creative task like poetry or painting, listening to your favourite music, cleaning out your cupboards etc.
“Do small things every day that you enjoy and help lift your mood.”
- Arrange for home-delivery of medicine
- If you are struggling to cope, don’t be afraid to speak up. Call Sadag, talk to your therapist, create a WhatsApp or Facebook support group. Stay connected to people via technology, do more video calls and phone calls to catch up.
- Mute keywords which might be triggering on social media. Unfollow or mute accounts, mute WhatsApp groups, hide Facebook posts and feeds if you find them overwhelming.
- Discuss with friends, family and neighbours what you can do to protect yourselves and be there for each other. Draw up a plan and keep it visible.
- Ask yourself what you can control – your attitude, your thinking, your home, caring for your body and mind. Focus on these things.
- Make it part of your daily routine to reach out to friends and family. Having a sense of connection and sense of community is essential for hope and healing.
Find out more on www.sadag.org or call their helpline on 080 021 2223, 080 070 8090 or 080 045 6789 or the suicide helpline on 080 056 7567. These helplines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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