It is normal to be worried during this difficult time of COVID-19. Sometimes the worry or stress, or just not being able to see other people, can lead to depression. How will you know if you are depressed? Here are some things to look out for:
- You feel down, depressed or hopeless.
- You are ‘thinking too much’.
- You have very negative thoughts that upset you.
- You feel that you do not want to talk to other people even though you could phone or WhatsApp them.
- You feel that you are do not want to do the usual things that you would do round the house, like get dressed, clean and cook.
- You can’t relax.
- You have thoughts or even plans to harm yourself or commit suicide.
If you feel that you may be depressed, please speak to a friend or family member or try these helplines.
Contacts (keep trying they may be busy)
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has many helplines 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 456 789 or 0800 20 5026 and others
- Lifeline general 0861 322 322 and their AIDS Helpline 0800 012 322
- SANCA for Alcohol and Drug problems WhatsApp line 076 535 1701
- Childline 0800 055 555
For more info and helplines visit the Perinatal Mental Health Project’s website.