Health …
RENISHAW HILLS SHARES TIPS FOR MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH IN 2021
W
ith March marking
so seniors may
a year of national
experience depressive
lockdown, it’s
symptoms and
important to evaluate one’s
deterioration in cognition.”
lifestyle and wellbeing to ensure for. This is especially important
WATCHING FOR SIGNS OF DEPRESSION
for those over the age of 50 as
McIntosh says the disruption of day-
denote mental health decline
the heightened risk of Covid-19
to-day activities, in particular, can
include increased anger, changes
infection has resulted in increased
negatively impair cognitive function
in eating and sleeping patterns,
loneliness for many people.
in older people – as outlined by the
loss of interest in activities that
Durban-based counselling
World Health Organisation.
once held attention, increased
psychologist Charlene McIntosh
“During the pandemic,
mental health is being catered
She says other signs that could
feelings of isolation, sadness and
says the pandemic and increased
we’ve noted persistent symptoms such
isolation have resulted in fear
as regular and debilitating worry about
and anxiety for older people. “The
routine activities,” explains McIntosh.
approaches to dealing with the
increased risk to health means
“Lack of social events and support also
impact of the pandemic should
they are housebound or only
heighten stress and decrease coping
involve holistic interventions that
venturing out when extremely
skills, therefore older individuals tend
involve emotional, spiritual, social
necessary. It is not easy to cope
to fixate on the uncertainty of this
and physical components to meet
with prolonged confinement,
pandemic and feel agitated.”
mental and other health needs. •
TIPS FOR IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH INCLUDE:
• Limiting media exposure to avoid constant negative input • Eating a well-balanced diet • Keeping to simple yet consistent routines
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SILVER DIGEST // AUTUMN 2021
possible suicidal thoughts. According to McIntosh, all
• Doing some form of daily exercise • Keeping in contact with loved ones and relying on support networks • Getting creative.
