Tired of feeling disappointed and sad every time load-shedding hits? Well, you’re definitely not alone.
It’s Friday evening, and after a long week of work, all you really wanna do is kick back and relax. Perhaps catch up on that series you’ve been watching or pick up that book that you’ve forgotten about. Maybe you wanna treat yourself to a nice meal or even just chill with your friends at home. But before you could even begin to actualise a plan, bam! It’s load-shedding.
So long to all those plans you had, now you’re left to lounge around in the dark, with no options for tea or coffee, wondering what you did to deserve this.
This pattern of despondency might not be reflective of every South African, but it’s hard not to feel discouraged by the current load-shedding situation.
Although some people have managed to navigate their way through load-shedding, many are still struggling. Many people have claimed that ever since load-shedding became more intense, their anxiety and stress levels have increased.
According to an article by News24, centered around a similar topic of mental health and load-shedding, many people have proclaimed that they have experienced “prolonged feelings of hopelessness and helplessness,” which can be harmful to one’s mental health. Feeling hopeless and helpless over a long period of time can lead to the development of psychiatric illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Furthermore, many South Africans have stated that load-shedding makes them feel unsafe. Paranoia and fears around crime increase during load-shedding, especially at night. This could result in feeling restless and anxious, which could affect your ability to fall asleep.
Load-shedding has devastating effects on our natural sleep cycles. Although many psychologists have advised the people of South Africa to stick to their normal sleeping schedule, it is extremely difficult. This is particularly difficult for those suffering from mood disorders. Those suffering from mood disorders tend to be more sensitive to changes in their circadian rhythms, which can be affected by load-shedding.
With load-shedding getting worse, it’s tough to keep your spirits high. Just remember that you’re not alone and that you have a whole nation of frustrated humans hoping for it to end.
