You are not alone – dealing with anxiety during a time of crisis

Anxiety is a reality, particularly in times of crisis. In as much as digital media can be riddled with facts and unproven conspiracy theories, the realities of the Covid-19 crisis cannot be disputed. Schools have closed. Gigs are cancelled. Playing and chilling with friends in person is a thing of the past. Meeting up with peers to discuss business ideas, entrepreneurial mentoring and societies, and planning to upskill with new skills; all that seems but a distant memory.

In days like these, anxiety can and does arise. It is now, more than ever before, that your mental health needs to be protected.

It’s okay – to not feel okay

When you regularly hear about joblessness, people dying without loved ones in intensive care units of hospitals, and the isolations involved in a national lockdown; it can make you feel anxious. You need to remember that it is okay to not feel okay at such times.

Use your anxiety to steer you in the right direction, such as avoiding crowded spaces, washing your hands and reaching out to other communities to encourage each other. If you are worried that your mental health or physical health is showing concerning symptoms, reach out for help without delay.

Categorise

When things seem to be spinning out of control, it helps to stay grounded. One way of doing this is by splitting your challenges and areas that cause worries into two categories: stuff you can act on and do something about, and stuff that is beyond your control in that you cannot change it. Just by doing this, you’ve begun to bring some form of order and structure. It also helps if you create positive distractions such as learning a new language or skill, catching up on studies, entering the COVID-19 Global High School Idea Challenge which has been extended to 29 May, or watching that wildlife documentary you’ve always wanted to watch.

Link up

Now is not the time to shy away, wither and perish. This is the time to think of creative ways to connect with others who encourage you – while practising social distancing. This can be via social media, video calling or apps. Talk to others who are going through what you are and have managed to keep their head up. Avoid doomsday naysayers. Protect your heart.

This is not the time for reckless living and addictions. Now is the time for random acts of kindness to fire up the tenacity of the human spirit. If ever there was a call for self-care, compassion and love, it is now. If ever there was a time for us, as a country to arise, it is now.

South Africa is counting on you to help minimise the spread of Covid-19.