The weight of the COVID-19 crisis could be felt for years to come with experts anticipating severe long-term impacts on mental health, particularly in younger people.
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As the pandemic unfolded in 2020, the percentage of people reporting they felt anxious or depressed escalated with repeated lockdowns, home schooling, business shutdowns and isolation all contributing to the spike.
The Australian Bureau of Statitistics Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey found that in June 2021, one in five Australians experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the previous four weeks, and almost one in three of younger Australians (aged 18 to 34 years) experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress.
At a regional level, data from HealthStats NSW revealed that 23.4 percent of adults experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in 2020.
Locally, the toll of different state rules and border closures have also weighed down on many people.
Dr Molly Fizpatrick of Federation Psychology in Corowa said she had noticed client need to be in high demand in the southern Riverina area, especially since the beginning of the pandemic.
“The distress from continued uncertainty is increasing, and the experience of anxiety is worsening. It really feels like we are getting to the pointy end of mental health and COVID,” Dr Fitzpatrick said.
“My younger clientele in their last years of school and those in their first year of university, appear to be the most significantly affected.
“Not only do they have to manage their learning on a different platform, endure stresses from exam changes, face the challenges in maintaining social interactions and the loss of peer support, but they have missed out on the things that they look forward to throughout most of their schooling: graduation, formals, debutante balls, school performances and living on campus in their first year of uni.
“A challenge, is that the grief that comes with missing out on these life events is difficult for young people to put into words and can easily be downplayed or brushed aside.”
Dr Fitzpatrick moved to Corowa from Melbourne with her young family in 2019.
“Clinical psychology services were in such high demand, that I have sadly closed my books after 8 months of opening to keep up with client need,” she said.
Meanwhile, across the country, mental health crisis lines have seen a significant increase in calls since the pandemic began.
Last month, with both Victoria and NSW both locked down, Lifeline recorded its three busiest days in history. To date, more than 694,400 calls have been made this year to the suicide prevention line.
Lifeline Australia chair John Brogden said it served as a reminder that this is a physical and mental health pandemic.
“In the same period two years ago, we were averaging under 2,500 calls, our new record is almost 40 per cent higher,” Mr Brogden said.
“Every time COVID gets worse, our calls grow. There is a silver lining at the same time and that is people are reaching out.
“These are challenging times; it is okay not to be feeling okay.”
More sobering statistics reveal that Victoria recently recorded the highest demand for Kids Helpline than anywhere in the nation with a 68 per cent increase in May to July this year, from 3190 calls to 3632 per week.
By comparison, calls increased about 50 per cent in both New South Wales and South Australia.
Between March and August this year, counsellors from the children’s support service also sought emergency intervention for 1057 suicidal children at risk of “imminent harm”.
“Our professional counsellors responded to on average 20 percent more children and young people reaching out across March to August and making a connection related to suicide related concerns about themselves or others compared to 2020, with 16 years of age being the mean age expressing these concerns to our counsellors,” Kids Helpline chief executive CEO Tracy Adams said.
In NSW, counsellors answered 226 calls from kids requiring suicide intervention, up 77 per cent from last year, while in Victoria, 417 children called counsellors after self-harming or wanting to suicide, a 161 per cent increase compared to the state’s longest lockdown period last year.
Further data in a report released by mental health service ReachOut provides vital insights into the mental health of young people living in regional, rural and remote areas across Australia, tracked over a five-year period.
The report indicates that the mental health of young people in these areas is worsening.
From 2017–2021 the report found an increase in probable serious mental illness amongst rural young people from 20.9 per cent to 27 per cent.
The data from 2021 showed that of all age groups included in the research, 18 to19-year olds were the group most likely impacted by mental ill health.
Ashley de Silva, CEO of ReachOut, said that this report demonstrates the complexity of mental health challenges for young people living in rural areas across Australia and the need for ongoing and tailored support.
“The findings of ReachOut’s new report about the mental health of young people in rural areas are sadly not surprising. During this time, communities have faced drought, natural disasters and a global pandemic,” she said.
“These figures reinforce the need to focus on rural populations as a priority for mental health services. There can be many challenges associated with accessing mental health support in regional areas, which is why free, easy access to online services like ReachOut are so vital.”
Strategies for those experiencing challenges with their mental health according to Dr Molly Fitzpatrick of Federation Psychology in Corowa.-Try to notice the early warning signs that your mental health is struggling (for example, withdrawal from family and friends, loss of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities, lower mood, increased anxiety)-Finding someone to talk to/connect with: family, friends, neighbours, online communities, counsellor, psychologist-Trying to establish a good routine at home: When things feel so out of control outside our home environment it can be helpful to switch our focus to things that are inside our control, for example, developing a good routine e.g., including activities that can aid the transition from work to home, and daily rituals can be helpful and look after your mental health (e.g., Progressive muscle relaxation before work)-Try to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. This pandemic is still such unknown territory, go easy on yourself if you are finding this more tough than you anticipated.Lifeline 13 11 14Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800