“In either case, many people are likely to find it challenging to stay at home for this period in lockdown, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic is creating a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety. Some people may struggle with ‘cabin fever’ and social isolation. Others who have to work from home may find it difficult focusing on their job while having to contend with children playing around and demanding their attention,” says Sandy Lewis, a clinical social worker and the head of therapeutic services at Akeso mental health facilities.

“It is important to note that prolonged isolation can take a toll on mental health and we should look at ways to reduce the chances of becoming anxious or depressed. There are a number of measures that you can take to help you keep up your spirits as well as to support your physical and mental health during this time,” adds Lewis.

“For those with families, the fact that we have fewer outlets to “escape” family situations may well place additional psychological strain on us and on our relationships, and this has the potential to result in conflict between family members. Given the uncertainties of the current situation, people may well be more irritable, tense and even volatile. It is a good idea to be conscious of, and acknowledge, this. There is a need for us all to be more understanding of one another at this time. 

“It can be a good idea to discuss these issues with your adult loved ones. One could address this by saying ‘Look, we’re all most likely going to be more reactive than normal under these circumstances – let’s try to be aware of this and be as sensitive to one another as possible.”

Lewis says that one can consider potential areas of conflict proactively and look at how you can reduce these. Should you find yourself in a situation of an explosive conflict, you can usually diffuse it by taking a 15-minute time-out from one another, and getting a break on your own, even if it is to go out into the garden or to sit on the fire-escape of your apartment block. In each case where you find tensions rising, ask yourself whether a particular issue is really worth the battle. 

“If your relationship has long simmering underlying issues, try not be fixated on these and make statements such as ‘You always do this’ and ‘You always let me down’. Rather try to focus on tackling day-to-day issues and dealing with current matters that require attention. Take it one day at a time, rather than looking forward or trying to predict the future, as this can result in increased levels of anxiety, which may in turn cause you to either withdraw or over-react,,or turn to self-destructive behaviours.”

“If you find you are feeling overwhelmed consider how you can positively distract yourself with pleasant activities such as tending to your garden, cooking, reading, playing with your animals, watching a movie on TV, or indulging in your favourite hobby or learning a new one – anything that is pleasant and positive for you. Try to find activities that appeal to all of the senses,” she recommends.

Mark de la Rey, a clinical psychologist at Akeso Kenilworth in Cape Town, says for those who are taking the pandemic seriously, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed at times. “Communities need to pull together in the way we care for each other and look out for one another, maintaining communication within the social distancing guidelines,” he advises. 

“Staying cooped up in your home and doing nothing else will likely increase negative emotions and thoughts, so I recommend that you get yourself up in the morning, and prepare for the day as you would for any other. If you spend all day watching the news and over-focusing on COVID-19, you are likely to feel much more anxious. It is important to stay in touch with what is going on, but one also needs to find a balance.”

How can we reduce our stress levels over this time? De le Rey and Lewis provide the following recommendations on reducing anxiety and supporting your mental health during the lockdown: