\u201cSouth Africa\u2019s response to the Covid-19 threat has left the country in a pre-traumatic state characterised by high levels of uncertainty, a sense of diminished control and high levels of fear and helplessness,\u201d said Health Squared\u2019s consulting clinical psychologist, Rucksana Christian.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile this may feel overwhelming at times, it is an entirely normal reaction to the unfolding situation.<\/p>
\u201cSocial distancing is a preventative measure in limiting the transmission of the virus; however, it can also be isolating for many people.<\/p>\n
\u201cLack of social support and the disruption to our daily lives can amplify fears about the virus and the unknowable consequences it may bring, to the point where these fears may become incapacitating,\u201d she pointed out.<\/p>\n
She further explained that essential workers could be at risk of feeling helpless.<\/p>\n
\u201cEssential service personnel, such as frontline health workers, security and supermarket staff, could potentially experience feelings of helplessness due to the possible exposure risks they face in the line of duty on a daily basis,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA useful strategy for coping with these sources of stress is to focus one\u2019s efforts on moving from a mental space of fear to one of a sense of control.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we take charge of the situation, we feel more empowered.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Covid-19: Things to consider during lockdown<\/a><\/p>\n Support is available to abuse survivors during lockdown<\/a><\/p>\n Christian provided the following useful tips to help regain this sense of control:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Create predictability in your own life, maintain a routine to help keep focused.<\/p>\n \u2022 Equip yourself with the facts that come from reliable and validated sources only. Avoid social media and do not entertain rumours on the subject of Covid-19.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be aware of your response, acknowledge your emotions and engage the rational mind.<\/p>\n \u2022 Learn to control your emotional responses and to stay calm.<\/p>\n \u2022 Remain focused on your goals and purpose, accepting that these may now need to be attained in different ways.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be flexible and consider how you may need to adapt your plans.<\/p>\n \u2022 Stay positive and trust the national processes in place.<\/p>\n \u2022 Use lockdown time to get closer to achieving your goals.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be mindful and focus on the present.<\/p>\n \u201cFocusing your energy on aspects that are within your control and making the best of enforced time at home can reduce feelings of fear and helplessness about the situation,\u201d said Christian.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are having difficulty coping, reach out for support.\u201d<\/p>\n * Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news<\/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.<\/em><\/p>\n 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<\/em><\/p>\n Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.<\/em><\/p>\n 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) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za<\/em><\/p>\n \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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