In March 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) as a global pandemic. Subsequently many people are overwhelmed by feelings of worry and anxiousness, especially by the constantly changing alerts, media coverage and national lock down regarding the Corona virus.

Two experts from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Psychosocial Health, Prof Ansie Fouché and Prof Hayley Walker-Williams, are proposing several coping strategies.

These strategies – in line with the mental health and psychosocial considerations during the Covid-19 outbreak, as published by the WHO – will assist people during this unnerving time.

To streamline the information, they are using the acronym: S.E.R.V.E. which also speaks to the university’s values, that being, an ethic of care.

• Stay connected – Think of creative ways to stay connected and communicate with others including social media, email or phone calls. Connection creates meaning and purpose. Turn to your colleagues, your manager or other trusted persons for social support, your colleagues may be having similar experiences to you.
   
• Ethic of care – Protect yourself and be supportive to others. Assist others in their time of need. The buddy system helps to provide support, monitor stress and reinforce safety procedures. Have realistic expectations in terms of what you expect from staff in your department, or of your manager and other colleagues. Colleagues may find it difficult to focus as they need to take care of young children, elderly parents, normal household chores etc. Be patient with others, you don’t know what their circumstances are and do not expect others to be as productive as prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.
   
• Routine / Reframe – Create a daily routine that takes care of your basic needs and remains familiar as well as prioritises things you enjoy and even things you have been meaning to do but have not had the time to do. Alternate your work from home schedule with energy fillers including physical activities as well as a self-care toolkit comprising an inspirational book or slab of chocolate. Attempt to reframe this time as unique and temporary and find opportunities to amplify the positive stories and positive images of this extraordinary time which will eventually pass. Have a designated work station, set a goal for each day, write it down and tick if off. This will help you to evaluate the positives and your productivity levels.
   
• Values – stay connected to your values. Do not let fear and anxiety drive your decisions or interactions with others by labelling, stigmatising or ostracising others. Someone may be infected and ill, but too scared to disclose due to the fear of stigmatisation. We are in this together, lets show empathy, tolerance and integrity. Honour caretakers and healthcare workers supporting people affected with Covid-19 in your community. Acknowledge the role they play to save lives and keep your loved ones safe.
   
• Exposure – limit exposure to news and media. Consider choosing a specific time of the day when you will get an update and ensure they are from reputable and reliable newsworthy or media sources or the World Health Organization. Avoid watching, reading or listening to news that cause you to feel anxious or distressed; seek information mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones. Seek information updates at specific times during the day once or twice.

Please see essential contacts below.

 

 

    

Prof Ansie Fouché and Prof Hayley Walker-Williams.