According to SASOP, stress, anxiety and a sense of isolation amid the global Covid-19 pandemic and South Africa\u2019s current lockdown can add to psychological distress for those already struggling with mental health disorders.<\/p>\n
SASOP assured patients that public and private health sector mental health services remain open for both scheduled appointments and emergencies.<\/p>
“Where possible some practitioners have shifted to online consultations,\u201d said Prof Renata Schoeman, board member of the Psychiatry Management Group (PsychMG).<\/p>\n
“Mental well-being is vital in this time of crisis, whether or not one is suffering from a mental illness,” said Schoeman.<\/p>\n
“Lockdown can aggravate feelings of isolation, even more so for those already struggling with mental health issues. Now is the time to re-focus one\u2019s energy on improving your mental health and resilience.”<\/p>\n
The professor said it is crucial to stay socially connected while practising physical distancing.<\/p>\n
“People can stay informed via credible sources of information, and to keep to generally healthy habits.<\/p>\n
“A strong individual and communal mental health status are key to remaining physically strong and socially cohesive during this crisis,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
For those with mental health conditions, she said, it was vital to remain well and stable by keeping up with treatment.<\/p>\n
“Avoid the need for hospitalisation when healthcare resources are already stretched by the impact of Covid-19. Remember, medications such as mood stabilisers and antipsychotics cannot easily be continued should they require admission to ICU and especially should they require ventilation,” she said.<\/p>\n
Dr Kagisho Maaroganye, SASOP board member and public sector national convener, said as an essential service, mental healthcare providers including psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses and occupational therapists are on duty.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Feed the Nation campaign to support local shelters and feeding schemes across SA<\/a><\/p>\n Elsburg is suffering under lockdown<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pharmacies, depots and suppliers are also open to ensure continued availability of medication.<\/p>\n \u201cHospitals and clinics will be available throughout this period to assist mental healthcare users in case they have an emergency or crisis during the lockdown and beyond.<\/p>\n “Both private and public hospitals along with clinics are taking well-considered, best practice measures to ensure that mental healthcare is delivered in the safest possible way during this public health crisis,\u201d said Maaroganye.<\/p>\n Some practitioners have switched to telehealth as a contingency plan during lockdown, offering remote consultations via telephone or online platforms such as Zoom.<\/p>\n This is in line with guidelines issued by the Health Professions Council of South Africa, according to SASOP.<\/p>\n \u201cTele- or video-consulting is a means of delivering high-quality treatment to vulnerable patients while protecting both them and clinicians from unnecessary risk of exposure to the virus,\u201d said Schoeman.<\/p>\n Mental healthcare users should be aware of early relapse signs like lack of sleep or irritability.<\/p>\n SASOP advised patients to get advice by phone from doctors or clinic nurses on what steps to take to manage their vulnerability and fears around the risks of Covid-19 and isolation.<\/p>\n Maaroganye said, \u201cAvoid self-medicating or trying to heal yourselves with alcohol, illicit drugs or taking your medication in a manner not advised by your psychiatrists or general practitioners.<\/p>\n “It is important that we can manage any potential relapse early on, to avoid hospitalisation.”<\/p>\n The doctor said the public at large may also experience emergencies or crises due to steadily increasing mental distress or illness and they can contact community healthcare workers, social workers and doctors, nurses or psychologists at clinics for assistance.<\/p>\n SASOP urges the public to remain both physically and mentally healthy by exercising at home, eating healthy foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables as far as possible, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol abuse and illicit substances.<\/p>\n \u201cSASOP members are available to offer support to mental healthcare users and their families who may be feeling overwhelmed during this time.”<\/p>\n “At the same time, we will continue to offer our members our total support so that they can feel enabled to continue delivering the high quality of psychiatric management to mental health care users that they have been for many years,\u201d said Maaroganye.<\/p>\n SASOP advised all South Africans to use the communication means they have available to stay connected with families and loved ones and to be aware of those in the community who may be more vulnerable in isolation, such as single parents, the elderly and those with mental health disorders.<\/p>\n Maaroganye said staying informed is important by accessing credible information sources, such as government\u2019s SA coronavirus website and the World Health Organisation.<\/p>\n “Also do not look for constant updates but rather twice a day to avoid feeling overwhelmed and heightening anxiety,” Maaroganye said.<\/p>\n Schoeman added, \u201cAlthough this challenge is enormous, it is important to have faith and hope that you and the country will overcome Covid-19. Being without hope can add extra burden on one\u2019s mental health to a point that one\u2019s mental condition can relapse or worsen.”<\/p>\n Where to get help and information:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 SA Depression Anxiety Group (Sadag): 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 70 80 90<\/p>\n \u2022 Sadag WhatsApp support (9am-4 pm): 076 882 2775 or SMS 31393 or 32312 (cousellor will call back)<\/p>\n \u2022 Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322<\/p>\n \u2022 Department of Health: 060 012 3456 (WhatsApp \u201chi\u201d for access to comprehensive Covid-19 information)<\/p>\n \u2022 National Institute for Communicable Diseases toll-free Covid-19 hotline: 0800 0299 299<\/p>\n \u2022 Visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za<\/p>\n <\/p>\n * Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Dear reader,<\/em><\/p>\n As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as \u201cfake news\u201d) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.<\/em><\/p>\n Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za<\/a>) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za<\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist)\u00a0busiv@caxton.co.za.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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