Covid-19 mental health scourge

IN ALL her years at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), Cassey Chambers has never experienced a busier period at work than over the past few months.

Call volumes have more than doubled during the lockdown, with anxious and depressed South Africans seeking help desperately.

The promise of the new year hasn’t eased worries and fears: the non-profit organisation has received a flurry of calls from those battling with mental health problems.

Many of the calls have been from people contemplating suicide because of the extended period of loneliness and isolation during the lockdown.

“While there is no research or evidence that suicide rates have increased during