Psychological distress on the rise
IT WAS perhaps inevitable the Covid19 pandemic would give rise to swathes of cases of psychological distress, according to Dr Kagisho Maaroganye, a psychiatrist and public sector national convenor of the SA Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop).
Globally, mental health professionals predicted the pandemic would give rise to cases of depression, suicide and self-harm. Although statistics from South Africa have not been released, a study conducted by the Indian Psychiatric Society showed a 20% increase in mental illnesses since the coronavirus outbreak in India.
A meta-analysis on mental health and Covid-19 among the general population in China puts the prevalence of anxiety at an estimated 31.9% and depression around 33.7%.
In the Republic of Georgia, a survey among 2 088 respondents observed high levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorder.
Maaroganye said the impact on those who had a mental condition prior to the pandemic might be disproportionate due to reduced psychological resilience, which might lead to relapse and worsening of their condition.
“There is a lot to bear and it can be crippling for our mental health. We are not experiencing stressors equally, and many, even those without mental conditions, were at risk before the pandemic. We find ourselves in uncharted waters, perhaps for the first time, needing to attend to early signs of distress and do this without self-medicating with alcohol and drugs.
“We also have to support our more vulnerable sectors of the population like children, should they start withdrawing and becoming silently depressed. At work we have to recognise the angry and frustrated boss as he/she copes with uncertainty and equally the bewildered employee who might be dealing with the fear of retrenchment and not knowing how they will feed their family.”
He said psychological resilience involved one's ability to face stress and adapt or cope with it by correctly appraising or judging the severity or relevance of the stress.
“Whilst there is a need for social isolation and restriction to our homes during this pandemic, this can also compromise the build-up of psychological resilience. As such, protecting our physical health can be at the expense of our mental health, leading to more stress, some of which can be toxic.”
Research shows stress can become toxic if people feel they don't have control over it and have no support systems or resources to handle it.
“Although everyone can become stressed, there are those who are more vulnerable to toxic stress, which can lead to chronic cardiovascular diseases and perhaps diminished immune response to Covid-19,” said Maaroganye.
The Georgia study found that to reduce mental distress, the following helped: meditation and relaxation exercises; physical exercise; positive thinking; planning for the future; watching television or listening to the radio; housework and working. Drinking alcohol was associated with increased mental disorder symptoms.
Maaroganye advised to avoid anger, violence, alcohol and any other form of substance abuse to deal with the waves of anxiety and stress.
“Obey the rules to avoid being faced with a stressful situation of wondering whether you have contracted the virus during its incubation phase. Unnecessary stressors may weaken one's immune system without you realising it.”
The psychiatrist encouraged those who experienced the early signs of psychological distress, such as insomnia, irritability and lack of interest in pleasurable activities or self-care, to seek help from professionals.
If you need help, contact the SA Depression and Anxiety Group by visiting www.sadag.org.
JAKARTA: The Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed last month killing 62 people had an imbalance in engine thrust that eventually led the plane into a sharp roll and then a final dive into the sea, a report by investigators said yesterday.
When the 26-year-old Boeing Co 737-500 plane reached 2 484m after take-off, the left engine throttle lever moved back while the right lever stayed in its original position, Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee said. At about 10 900 feet, the autopilot disengaged and the plane rolled to the left more than 45° and started its dive.
The Sriwijaya accident is Indonesia’s third major airline crash in just over six years.