Keep yourself busy and manage your anxiety
THE SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) offers these tips to manage anxiety and mental health during Covid-19:
Maintain a daily routine as much as possible. Get up, get dressed, create a to-do list, etc.
Reduce the time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage. Filter what you are watching, reading and listening to. Don’t have the radio or news channel on in the background. Focus more time on the things you can control and do. Create a list of things to do to keep yourself busy and active – even during social isolation. Reading, gardening, do something creative like painting, drawing, poetry, listening to your favourite music, trying a new exercise at home, cleaning out the cupboards that you have been avoiding to do for months, etc. Do small things every day that you enjoy and help lift your mood. If you take medicine every month, speak to your medical scheme and pharmacist to get scripts filled in advance or arrange for home delivery.
Living with a mental illness and coping during Covid-19
For many people living with a mental health issue, the current situation may be worsening or intensifying symptoms.
If you have a compromised immune system or a medical condition you’re worried about, speak to your doctor for more specific guidance on your treatment.
If you have a scheduled appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist, do not cancel due to the fear of exposure. Call the practice and ask what their new protocol or alternative plans are. Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions.
Access support via:
Online Toolkit on the Sadag website (www.sadag.org) with free resources, online videos, reliable resources, coping skills, online tools and info on social distancing, self-isolation, etc.
Chat online with a counsellor seven days a week from 9am – 4pm via the Cipla Whatsapp Chat Line 076 882 2775.
SMS 31393 or 32312 and a counsellor will call you back – available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Sadag helplines provide free telephonic counselling, information, referrals and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day – call 080 021 2223, 080 070 8090 or 080 045 6789 or the Suicide Helpline 080 056 7567.