Feeling Lonely, Anxious, Depressed

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The Covid 19 pandemic has left many South Africans feeling lonely, anxious, insecure and even depressed. It is important to understand our feelings in this time and reach out for professional help, when needed. You are not alone. We are here to support you with knowledge, counselling and assistance.

Anxiety

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).

These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Sometimes anxiety can result from a medical condition.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:

Feeling nervous, restless or tense
Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
Sweating
Trembling
Feeling weak or tired
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
Having trouble sleeping
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
Having difficulty controlling worry
Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

Whatever the cause, symptoms or form of anxiety you have, treatment can help.

Depression

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g. handwringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide

Counselling – 5 things to consider

We are the most equipped to face challenges when we have the right tools and support. Sometimes, support is needed in the form of a professional counsellor.

1. Things are not getting better

When you feel you are not getting better, you need to take the leap and meet with a counsellor. Once you do that, you might notice a dramatic shift in your life and recognize that your emotional well-being is improving. If things are not getting better, despite the fact that you are receiving counselling, you might consider a different treatment option such as medication or change to a counsellor who offers a different approach, more suitable to your needs. It is however important to ensure that you are receiving help from a registered professional (E.g. Psychologist, Social worker, Psychiatrist)

2. Recognising the value of counselling

If you live with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness, you likely experience times of distress in addition to common life challenges. Many people who have a mental illness recognize the value of counselling and see a counsellor, whether that person is online or in their area. There are plenty of individuals who do not receive the care that they desperately need due to a lack of knowledge in terms of the value of counselling.

3. When Someone is in Crisis, a Counsellor Can Help

When someone is expressing suicidal thoughts, whether those are passive or the person has an active plan to end their life, they can see a counsellor for help. If the person in question expresses their troubling thoughts to a friend or loved one, the person on the other end can confidently refer them to a counsellor. Counselling is a safe place to express any feelings a person is having difficulty expressing. A counsellor is dedicated to helping people get to a place of emotional wellness and stability.

4. Money should not stand in your way

Financial difficulties could be due to lack of consistent income, poverty, compulsive spending, gambling addiction, substance abuse or other mental health issues. Managing money or matters surrounding money is extremely real and impact our lives daily. Money can cause people anxiety, panic attacks, depression and other mental health issues.

Ironically, one of the most significant roadblocks people face when trying to find a counsellor and enter counselling is the cost. Many people don't have health insurance or their limited coverage for mental health services prevents them from getting care. Many cost-effective options are available in our society today, including online therapy.

5. Treatment is Accessible to most people

There are many ways to access counselling: Community based organisations, NGOs, Hospitals, Clinics, Government Departments and Private practitioners. We live in a technology-centric generation and mental health services have evolved quite a bit over time. Online counselling is a viable option for treatment.