Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health care practitioners reported a drastic rise in depression and anxiety among members of society. In addition to the classic symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, people also reported feeling lonely, isolated and exhausted. People were overwhelmed by their daily tasks and generally felt less motivated. This is described as COVID fatigue.

 

COVID fatigue is the result of the sudden isolation brought about by lockdown and the associated lack of socialization. It is also perceived as the body’s psychophysiological response to chronic stressors such as the concern of falling ill, worries about finances, distress about loved ones and apprehension of losing one’s job. Given the chronic nature of the causes related to COVID fatigue, the latter can be seen as a type of burnout. COVID fatigue is exacerbated by the inability to maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure, largely due to working from home.  For most, a home is a place of safety and a comfort zone where we can interact with family and friends. Working from home meant that our usual space, dedicated to rest and relaxation, now also became our office and with that, the stressors we previously left at work became part of our safe haven...