Many calls made to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) hotline over the festive season were linked to feelings of loneliness, relationship problems and holiday anxiety.
“We receive over 400 calls each day, but during the festive season, the nature of calls is definitely more specific to loneliness, relationship problems, anxiety linked to the holidays and other difficulties related to this time of the year,” said Sadag spokesperson Dessy Tzoneva.
“During this period it is also a challenge for some people living with a mental illness, as many mental health professionals are away, day-to-day routines change, and the usual resources utilised during stressful times may not be as easily available.”
Tzoneva noted that 23 people die by suicide in South Africa each day, and “hundreds more make a suicide attempt every 24 hours”.
She said the stereotypical idea of how Christmas was depicted could make it difficult to come to terms with “the fact that we cannot control life, nor force it into our idea of perfection”.
Hein Hofmeyr, a clinical psychologist at Akeso Clinic, said: “The anxiety of the festive season may cause those who are usually able to
regulate their emotions and behaviour to feel lonely and experience a lack of fulfilment. Suicidal thoughts or fantasies during this time of the year should not be taken lightly, since Sadag reports that December has the highest rate of suicide for the whole year.”
Tzoneva advised people not to buy into the ideal of the festive season depicted on TV or social media.
“Perfection is an illusion that can leave us feeling worse off than everyone else, who we perceive as having the perfect family, being on the best holiday, living the perfect life we wish for,” she said.
She added that there was no need to pretend.
“Doing so can actually make you feel worse. Be true to how you’re feeling, and if you need to cry, be alone at times or mourn a loss you’ve experienced, then do so.”
Tzoneva advised: “If it all feels too much, have Sadag’s number with you. You can reach a counsellor any day on 080 070 80 90.”
More information on coping with anxiety, self-help tips for depression, and other mental health information and online videos are available at www.sadag.org