EDITORIAL | Be supportive this festive season. You might need the favour returned

Tis the season to be jolly. Not.

There is a pervading sense of hopelessness that has a lot to do with a pandemic that has seeped into every aspect of people’s lives, with scant indication it will be over any time soon.

For those buckling under this enormous weight, the question is, are there any reserves left or ways to fill the empty mental tank?

And bleaker days lie ahead, is the story told by the latest unemployment figures in SA, released on Tuesday by Stats SA. They show that unemployment rose to 34.9% in the third quarter of 2021, the highest since the start of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) in 2008.

This includes 571,000 job losses in formal employment, with women still bearing the brunt. The rate among them was 37.3% in the third quarter, compared with 32.9% among men.

Broken down further along racial lines, black women were worse off (41.5%) than white women at 9.9%, Indian/Asian women (25.2%) and coloured women (29.1%).

Meanwhile, figures released by the department of community safety earlier this week revealed that suicides have increased in Gauteng since the start of the pandemic, with 1,325 reported since April 2020, almost double the previous year’s number (695).

The department lays a large part of the blame for the sharp increase at Covid-19’s door.

Figures released by the department of community safety earlier this week revealed that suicides have increased in Gauteng since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In written responses to the provincial legislature, the department listed the top reasons given by families as depression, loss of income during the pandemic, financial difficulties, death of family members and domestic violence.

And age is not a free pass from pain. A 10-year-old from Ga-Rankuwa was listed as the youngest to take their life, in October 2020, followed by two 11-year-olds in September that year. The oldest was a 96-year-old Pretoria man.

At the same time, psychologists such as Dr Saths Cooper, president of the Pan-African Psychology Union, said news of a potential fourth wave will fuel a concurrent wave of sadness and depression.

“People who had been working towards re-engaging with their families and the expectation of having a good time during Christmas will be shattered. The new series of restrictions are going to affect people negatively,” he said.

He added that healthcare workers looking forward to a break are likely to feel general depression.

His words of advice: “I think in this time we need to be kind to each other and be there for those who need us, be it families or our workplaces, so we avoid any anger and frustration bubbling over.”

Psychologist Joanna Kleovoulou added that the arrival of the new variant just before the holidays will be a heavy blow for millions of people, warning of pandemic fatigue.

Maybe it is easier said than done, but what she suggests is worth a try — for all our wellbeing.

“It is not useful to get into a state of panic. Rather draw on strategies that have helped you cope in the past or learn new ones, such as focusing on your breathing or learning your most inspiring quote to keep you grounded and calm.”

Spending time outdoors and acknowledging that “this too shall pass” are important coping mechanisms, said Kleovoulou.

Covid-19 might mean we have to keep our physical distance, but should not mean we become distant.

According to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), as many as 33% of South Africans were depressed during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Even more (45%) were fearful, while 29% experienced loneliness.

Covid-19 might mean we have to keep our physical distance, but should not mean we become distant. If you have reserves to share with colleagues, friends and family, do so.

Life is a cycle, and at the next turn, the person you supported may be your pillar.

As we head into the holiday season and its related festivities, spare a thought for those feeling only dread for the days to come, many of them unable to see their families because of the pandemic.

Spread the cheer, the goodwill, and share the load.

To contact a counsellor at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) between 8am and 8pm Monday to Sunday, call 011 234 4837. For a suicidal emergency, contact 0800 567 567. The number for the 24-hour helpline is 0800 456 789.