As discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

Road infrastructure, disruption of road networks due to road works, traffic congestion; commuting delays affect our ability to move around easily and predictably and can affect our ability to maintain our mental wellbeing.

Is traffic congestion affecting your mental wellbeing?

  1. Do you find yourself feeling anxious or tense just thinking about the commute to work?
  2. Are you often getting irritable and upset while in traffic congestion?
  3. Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed concerning traffic congestion challenges?
  4. Are you finding yourself tired and exhausted physically and mentally?
  5. Do you often lash out at other road users when stuck in traffic?

What is the impact of traffic congestion on mental wellbeing?

  1. Increased stress levels:

This can be before getting into traffic, while in a traffic jam or even long after you get home.

This stress can spill over into relationships at home and at work and can affect one’s productivity and general wellbeing

  1. Anxiety: Traffic affects scheduling and planning and this can result in increased anxiety levels and feelings of uncertainty and helplessness
  2. Anger and road rage: Tempers often flare up in traffic and people often express their frustrations in yelling and hurling verbal insults, hooting excessively, cutting off other drivers and sometimes, sadly, even physical altercations.

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Anger affects our ability to think clearly, make rational decisions, anticipate and avoid danger and respond calmly to crisis.

Anger outbursts also affect the driver or road user exposed to the anger affecting their ability to respond and manage themselves on the road, all of which can result in errors and accidents

  1. Fatigue: Sitting in traffic can result in both physical and mental fatigue.

Fatigue has a detrimental effect on ability to concentrate and respond appropriately to challenges face while on the road

How can I cope better with traffic congestion stress?

If you cant avoid traffic through better time planning, car pooling, early or later commutes ar avoiding high traffic zones, you will have to learn to cope. This can be through:

  1. Minding your thoughts and how you think about the situation. Try not to over-personalise the situation (it is affecting many people), try not to view each traffic jam as a catastrophe either, maintain a healthy perspective even of a difficult situation
  2. Stay calm and remember to breathe. When we are stressed or anxious, we may become a bit panicked and may breath fast and get very tense. Deep, regular breaths can help calm the nerves and maintain a sense of calm
  3. Take advantage of the time stuck in traffic through listening to soothing music or a podcast to help manage the frustration
  4. Manage your anger. Anger and irritability can turn a relatively benign situation into a dangerous one

If you think that you or someone that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help.

  • Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse is a consultant psychiatrist. This article reflects her own views. Feedback: +263777727332