The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) suggests the following to help manage stress during this challenging time.

1. Maintain a daily routine as much as possible – get up, get dressed, create a to-do list, etc.

2. Reduce the time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage – filter what you are watching, reading and listening to. Don’t have the radio or news channel playing on in the background at home. Learn what you can from these respected sources. Only check these sites at specific times of the day. For example at 8am, 1pm and 9pm.

3. Yes, the situation is frightening, it’s frustrating, and you feel out of control. Acknowledge that and allow yourself specific time to sit with those feelings – and then make sure you focus more time on the things you can control and do. Create a list of things to do to keep yourself busy and active – even during social isolation. Make a list that you can stick up on the fridge or in your bedroom, make it public so the whole family can add ideas (such as reading books you haven’t been able to get to for months, gardening, watching your favourite movies, do something creative like painting, drawing, poetry, listening to your favourite music, trying a new exercise at home, cleaning out the cupboards that you have been avoiding to do for months, etc.). When you run out of ideas – ask your friends and family for ideas. Do small things every day that you enjoy and help lift your mood.

4. If you take medicine every month, speak to your medical scheme and pharmacist to get scripts filled in advance or arrange for home delivery.

5. If you are really struggling to cope with the situation, don’t be afraid to speak up. Call SADAG, talk to your therapist, create a WhatApp or Facebook support group. Stay connected with people via technology – do more video calls, phone friends to catch up, etc.

6. Mute key words which might be triggering on Twitter, unfollow or mute accounts, mute WhatsApp groups and hide Facebook posts and feeds if you find them too overwhelming

7. Thinking positively during a crisis is easier said than done. One of the best ways to ground yourself is in fact, in science. Avoid watching or reading news or social media, especially fake news, where facts can become blurred and exaggerated. Listen to what acknowledged experts are saying about the virus. SADAG suggests only following reliable resources such as: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV, www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019, www.sacoronavirus.co.za and National Department of Health Whatsapp 060 012 3456

8. Discuss with family, friends and neighbours what you can do to protect yourselves and be there for each other. Draw up a plan and keep it visible.

9. Ask yourself what you can control – your attitude, your thinking, your home, caring for your body and mind. Focus on these things.

10. Make it a part of your daily routine to reach out to friends and family. Having a sense of connection and a feeling of community is essential for hope and healing.

11. Read this article for 10 Quarantine-Friendly things to do during a Coronavirus home isolation.

12. Practice relaxation techniques to ease stress levels & help your immune system.

13. More ideas of Things to do whilst self-isolating.

14. 'Social connection remains so important': Psychologist shares tips on coping with coronavirus anxiety. Read more in an article by News24. - Click here.

15. How to identify the stages of grief in COVID-19 messages - Click here.

Source: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group

• Chat online with a counsellor 7 days a week from 9am – 4pm via the Cipla Whatsapp Chat Line 076 882 2775.
• FREE online #Facebook Expert Chats daily, 1pm – 2pm on the SADAG Facebook Page: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group
• SMS 31393 or 32312 and a counsellor will call you back – available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
• SADAG Helplines providing 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 0800 567 567 .

Remember, should you require information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, phone the Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 or send ‘Hi’ to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp. Get the latest COVID-19 news updates on our fact page.