The South African electrical power crisis "is leading to feelings of hopelessness, which is associated with depression," said Claire Lownie, a psychiatrist in Johannesburg's financial center, Sandton.
"People are frustrated, some (are) angry, some are experiencing symptoms" of post-traumatic stress disorder, said Sinqobile Aderinoye, a psychologist in Johannesburg, adding "The consistent on-and-off of the electric grid is creating an air of disillusionment."
Plunged into darkness with a sense of unmet basic needs, the human brain can be triggered into survival mode, leading to a fight-or-flight response, explained Aderinoye.
"The brain starts to think we are under attack. The body is then notified that we are in danger and we create an anxiety response," she said.
The added stress caused by power cuts often compounds an already precarious situation, psychologists say.
Blackouts eased this week, with cuts reduced to about two hours a day.
But the schedule of cuts provided by Eskom is not always followed, giving rise to an unpredictability that leaves many people on edge.
Anxiety, depression and other disorders were already up almost two-thirds since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Cheryl Johnston, a Johannesburg-based psychologist.
"A lot of people are at or crossing over (their) breaking point," she said.
The result can be "abnormal behaviour" as well as angry or violent outbursts, Johnston said.
"There was a time ... I felt like I was going to scream," said Blessed Dlamini, a 25-year-old father living in downtown Johannesburg.
For five hours, he recalled, he had no power as he struggled to work and at the same time deal with a hungry two-year-old.
"It was very, very hectic," said Dlamini who works for a sexual health center.
Having a plan and being prepared to deal with the cuts is the best way to cope, according to health experts.
Dlamini said he has joined Twitter to follow the city's electricity updates more closely.
Better mental health awareness is also crucial, Johnston said.
"Being able to be honest with yourself about the emotions that you're having and waiting for yourself to be calm before taking action... is best thing you can do," she said.
Having a plan and being prepared to deal with the cuts is the best way to cope, according to health experts.
Dlamini said he has joined Twitter to follow the city's electricity updates more closely.
