Mind your mental health during tough times

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of depression, anxiety, grief and trauma have been increasing daily in South Africa, and understandably so. While we’ve slowly become accustomed to pandemic life, the anxiety is still very much real. 

When Clere For Men launched Legend, the brand took the meaning of legend – someone who defines greatness – and unpacked it into the five qualities they believe are the mark of a legendary man. These are: strength, stamina (mental and physical), love, perseverance and admiration. “It makes sense that we talk about mental stamina now,” explains Clere For Men brand manager Themba Ndlovu, “during a time when we’re experiencing heightened feelings of stress, anxiety and uncertainty.” Ndlovu adds that mental health, especially among men, needs to be prioritised. 

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), one in three South Africans suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. The harsh reality is that fewer than one in 10 people with a mental illness in South Africa have access to mental health care. When it comes to men, the main reason depression and mental illness in general remain unrecognised is because of the large stigma attached to it. Many see depression as a weakness, and as a result, men are reluctant to come forward for help. 

SADAG says they’re hopeful their campaign, Real Men. Real Depression will help destigmatise depression amongst South African men and therefore uplift the lives of husbands, sons, brothers and friends.

Ndlovu provides tips to help maintain mental stamina and manage the anxiety we’re feeling.

Reduce the time you spend watching or listening to the news.  Filter what you watch, read and listen to. Don’t have the radio or news channel on in the background at home. Learn what you can from respected sources and only check news sites at specific times of the day, for example, at 8 am, 1 pm and 9 pm.

Make a list. Create a list of things you can do to keep yourself busy and active (such as reading books you haven’t been able to get to for months, watching movies, listening to your favourite music, trying a new exercise at home, sorting out that drawer you’ve been avoiding for months, etc.). Put the list up on your fridge or in your bedroom or make it public so the whole family can add ideas. Do small things every day that you enjoy, and that help lift your mood.

Ask yourself what you can control. Your attitude, your thinking, your home, caring for your body and mind. Focus on these things, especially self-care. Putting yourself last is a disservice that will only work against you. Self-care makes your use of time more sustainable. Eat healthily, drink enough water, rest, and look after your body, inside and out. While many men might not be excited about a pamper session, in the throes of winter, looking after your skin is as important as maintaining a balanced diet. Clere For Men lotions and crèmes are formulated to help hydrate, soothe and rejuvenate skin for up to 48 hours. Taking good care of yourself first means you’ll have more to give others.

Reach out to family and friends. A sense of connection and a feeling of community are essential to ease your feelings of anxiety. If you are really struggling to cope with a situation, don’t be afraid to speak up. Call SADAG, create a WhatsApp or Facebook support group, and stay connected with people via technology – make more video calls and phone family and friends to catch up.

Take an online course. Take the time to learn a new skill that may help enhance your career. Are you looking into digital marketing? Want to hone your Excel skills? Or perhaps you’d like to try your hand at coding? There are plenty of online courses, certificates, and even degrees you can complete from the comfort of your own home. Investing time in refining your skills will give you a deep sense of accomplishment, which will boost your confidence enormously.

Physical fitness. The endorphins that come from physical activity can instantly boost your mood. Walk, run or cycle around your neighbourhood or your nearest park, or why not work out at home? There are plenty of exercise videos online, which show you how to utilise your space at home and use items around the house in lieu of weights and other gym equipment. 

SADAG helplines provide free telephonic counselling, information, referrals and resources, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day – call 0800 21 22 23, 0800 70 80 90 or 0800 456 789 or the Suicide Helpline on
0800 567 567.

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Media queries Julia Rice | Republic PR | julia@republicpr.co.za