Anxiety, depression likely to increase during lockdown, says SADAG
The South African Depression and Anxiety group (SADAG) has warned that the national lockdown could have a psychological impact on even seemingly mentally healthy South Africans.
Most South Africans will spend at least the next 17 days at home as the country battles the a spike in coronavirus cases.
SADAG’s Cassey Chambers says they are fielding a significant number of calls from people who are overwhelmed by the coronavirus crisis.
She adds that there is set to be an increase in demand for mental health services from people who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“We have also seen the risk that this could have a psychological impact on people who didn’t have any mental issues before the lockdown. Things like self-quarantine, social isolation and lockdown all have a profound negative impact on anyone’s mental wellness.”
Chambers says SADAG has also been in contact with people, who already suffer from poor mental health, and are concerned that their symptoms may get worse.