The impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on our mental health cannot be understated. From a South African perspective, months of a hard lockdown has changed the way we live, the way we work and the very way we operate. Mentally we have not escape unscarred.
A new study by Afriforte and the WorkWell research unit at the North-West University (NWU), in conjunction with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and Mindful Revolution, investigated the psychological effects of the lockdown.
A survey conducted among 1 656 employees shows that 46% of the respondents are experiencing very high levels of psychological distress during the epidemic. This can be attributed to social distancing measures, the disruption of routines and usual activities, loneliness, depression and even substance abuse.
It should also be noted that the SADAG helpline has seen a mammoth increase in people seeking assistance. According to Prof Ina Rothmann from Afriforte, Pre-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Pre-TSD) can be attributed to a host of symptoms displayed during the epidemic and the lockdown.
“Pre-TSD is a syndrome involving involuntary intrusive images and flash forwards of haunting events that could be experienced during major disruptions such as Covid-19,” she explains.
Symptoms of Pre-TSD include mood swings, a short temper, forgetfulness, constant worrying, insecurity, a loss of objectivity and an inability to focus or concentrate amongst a host of others.
What differentiates Pre-TSD from the more commonly known Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is that Pre-TSD occurs during a traumatic or disruptive event because individuals anticipate trauma and experience flashforwards of traumatic events. PTSD follows a traumatic event resulting in flashbacks related to the traumatic event experienced.
Although Pre-TSD is not a recognised psychiatric diagnosis, it is based on and founded in scientific knowledge conducted with soldiers which indicated that Pre-TSD predicts the development of PTSD and depressive disorders in future. Understanding Pre-TSD can be key in addressing mental health issues associated with the Covid-19 epidemic.
Prof Rothmann goes on to note that Pre-TSD can lead to a variety of physical symptoms.
“Frequent headaches, nausea, heartburn, eating problems, heart palpitations, sleep problems and muscle pains and aches are all symptoms that cause individuals to feel chronically stressed and generally unwell at both a psychological and physical level.
“In short, the severity of Pre-TSD on our well-being during this unprecedented period of flux must be addressed if society is to return to normal.”
Prof Ina Rothmann.
