South Africans are encouraged to stay home during the national lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. PHOTO: GroundUp/Ashraf Hendricks.
With the implementation of South Africa’s nation-wide lockdown, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Stellenbosch University (SU) is ensuring that students still have access to wellness and mental health resources to cope with the emotional and psychological effects that the pandemic may have.
In an effort to support students through this time, SU’s Centre for Student Counseling and Development (CSCD) continues to provide emotional and mental health aid now through virtual and telephonic therapy sessions.
Students are encouraged to reach out and utilise CSCD’s services during this uncertain period, said Charl Davids, the deputy director at the CSCD.
“While of course, the circumstances are less than ideal, seeking help for your anxiety or stress during this crisis can also be your gateway to dealing with pre-existing mental health issues you may not have previously addressed,” said Davids.
In an email sent to the SU community on 27 March, prof Wim de Villiers, SU rector and vice chancellor, acknowledged the panic and fear caused by the Covid-19 pandemic among students.
“[The] limitation of movement and a suspension of the life that we have grown used to for the next three weeks […] naturally fills us with a sense of anxiety, uncertainty and fear,” De Villiers said.
The CSCD building which is usually occupied by SU staff and students has been vacant since the national lockdown commenced, but students can still make use of their services online and telephonically. PHOTO: MatieMedia Archive/Lucian van Wyk
According to dr Aiysha Malik, a mental health expert with the World Health Organisation (WHO), uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of the pandemic, as well as the extended period students will be expected to remain at home, have significant mental health implications. This is true especially for people who have existing mental illnesses, Malik said.
“Chronic stress, like that which is created by this emergency, has a debilitating effect on peoples’ mental and physical health. And people with existing mental health or substance use conditions might be prone to experiencing high stress and relapse during this time,” said Malik, during a WHO virtual press briefing last week.
People should take care of their mental health during the national lockdown, as the Covid-19 pandemic makes life for many South Africans uncertain, said Cassey Chambers, South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) operations director, in an official statement.
“In a world that seems pretty scary at the moment, knowing what you can do, can help you feel a little more in control of what is happening in your life today,” Chambers said.
INFOGRAPHIC: MatieMedia
For support and emergencies relating to mental wellness, SU students can contact the CSCD on 021 808 4994 or email supportus@sun.ac.za. Students may also contact the ER24 line for emergencies at any time on 010 205 3032.
SADAG counsellors can also be contacted on the SADAG WhatsApp line 076 882 2775 or by calling them on 0800 21 22 23.
By Sarah Hoek and Masego Mafata