With tighter level 1 restriction now imposed as the country is hit by the second wave of the Corona Virus, for people living with mental health challenges such as schizophrenia, it is even more difficult.
With daily routines disrupted, many people are feeling overwhelmed by the overconsumption of bad news as they keep abreast of health developments. Many are isolated from family and support systems, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says this can badly affect schizophrenia patients even more.
“Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating chronic mental illness. People living with this disorder are affected in the way they feel, act and think, often exhibiting symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, confused behavior, withdrawal, and struggling with their daily, professional and personal life,”
According to SADAG Schizophrenia symptoms can be heightened during periods of isolation, like time spent during a lockdown, away from colleagues, family, friends and support systems. Although schizophrenia affects the brain, SADAG said that it can also have physical, financial and psychological challenges.
“But this isn’t always easy, especially for those living with mental health challenges. As the realisation of the pandemic’s effects became more evident, moods and attitudes changed, which has reduced the motivation to keep active. Especially as there’s no longer a structure or routine,”
A survey by SADAG has indicated that 46% of respondents experienced financial stress during the lockdown in April this year.
“This can be attributed to the increase in job losses during a lockdown. For people living with schizophrenia, this can be even more devastating as they need access to financial resources to purchase their treatment, to manage their symptoms.
The same SADAG survey has also indicated that 55% of respondents grappled with anxiety and panic during the lockdown, while 6% abused substances.
“Abuse of substances directly impacts the effectiveness of schizophrenia treatment, which can lead to worsening symptoms,”
For more information visit schitzophrenia24x7.co.za or contact Annie Hodes pr@gullanandgullan.com or call +27 11 887 6591
