Not going to church during lockdown affected mental health, report finds. Depression and anxiety are on the rise among domestic workers according to a new report from SweepSouth, which found that fears around money, debt and joblessness are having a hugely negative impact on the mental health of SA’s 800 000 domestic workers
Very few of these women have access to medical aid (only 2% of those polled). Instead, they rely on going to church and spending time with their pastor for comfort and support. But, with lockdown regulations limiting church attendance, mental health issues are spiralling.
Another disturbing report finding is the inability of many domestic workers to use exercise and time outdoors to care for their mental health. This is likely impacted by the lack of safety in the communities where they live and the fact that women typically have to care for children and cook when they return home from work.
However, there is much that can be done about the situation, says Aisha Pandor, SweepSouth CEO, such as:
Employers can do more to support their domestic workers
Training programmes need to be created for religious leaders on how to provide care for the mental health of their congregation
Community safety and recreation programmes need to be established, and safe spaces for women to exercise and spend time outdoors must be created
For the full report,visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VNygAFZ5CadY05O3We-an4Tkmh-SemUt/view
