TESTIMONY
MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLE
DURING COVID-19 By: Claudene Sebolai
The mental health and wellbeing of the whole society has been severely impacted by covid-19 and must be considered a priority that needs to be addressed urgently. Many people are distressed due to the immediate impacts of the virus and the consequences of physical isolation. Fear of infection, dying, losing family members, stress related to economic situations etc. is prominent. Shantell Stephens shares her testimony of overcoming, not only Covid-19, but also mental health issues.
be confined to one space. For a normal person it is easy to multitask especially doing various house chores. But for me it was extremely difficult. Too many things at the same time would trigger the anxiety attacks. I would break out in a sweat, feeling sick and getting chest pains, just because I have to cook and clean and tend to the kids. So, being confined to the bed with all the COVID-19 symptoms and mental health issues, was the most difficult time for me.
“YOU SHALL LIVE AND NOT DIE”
My road to recovery started when I finally acknowledged that I have a problem. I was ashamed of talking about it and reaching out to find help. I never wanted to be labeled as mad or crazy. I confided in my husband who was such a great support system. Sometimes all you need is to have somebody you trust who can remind you of the self-care or coping mechanisms that are easy to forget during crisis times. Many times, people with mental health issues chooses to suffer in silence due to the stigma attached to it. I learned that it is nothing to be ashamed of. Mental health problems are common. It is sometimes the people with the biggest smiles and joyful personalities that suffer inwardly. I can only thank God that He kept me throughout these episodes. I may not be where I want to be yet, but I am also not where I was. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
I struggled with anxiety and panic attacks for many years. It was so bad at some point that I could not stand being outside and would oftentimes lay in my room, listening to music while feeling like I am in a deep dark pit. The automatic negative thoughts and emotions that accompanies it would overwhelm to the point of paralysis. When the doctor wanted to prescribe medication, I refused because I did not want to be labelled as “koekoes” (crazy in Cape Colored Slang). During both my pregnancies I had severe episodes. During my first pregnancy I was working in what I believed was my dream job. At the workplace I faced so many challenges while being pregnant. The pressure of work and the pregnancy became unbearable to the point where I had a mental breakdown. I was not medically diagnosed but I knew that meltdown was more than just exhaustion. Many times, I would lock myself up in the house and just lay in bed. It got to the point where I had physical symptoms like someone who is about to get a heart attack. I had a sharp pain in my chest, I had no feeling in my left arm, I perspired profusely and was nauseas. I remember praying and 68
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
asking God how he could let my die while being pregnant with my girl child. I am grateful for my husband who remained calm throughout my episodes and strengthened me with prayers and words of encouragement. Quarantine was not a walk in the park for me. It aggravated the panic attacks and feelings of depression. Being claustrophobic, it was difficult to
