Login
iscover
According to mental health service Beyond Blue, the pandemic has been overtaken by cost-of-living pressures as the number one concern of people.
A survey of 1,500 people found that Australians were primarily concerned with interest rates — which climbed to 2.60 per cent at the Reserve Bank of Australia’s October meeting, placing further pressure on Australian households — cost-of-living worries, the war in Ukraine, and uncertainties surrounding the future.
It also found that many respondents were burdened by a general sense of unease resulting in individuals operating at a lower level than pre-pandemic, with adults weighed down by work challenges and the ever-rising cost of living.
Released on Monday, 10 October — World Mental Health Day — the survey found that fewer people sought advice about the impact of the pandemic as opposed to the same period last year when both Sydney and Melbourne were nearing the end of lengthy lockdowns, while more Australians sought advice on family and relationship stress and anxiety.
Beyond Blue chief executive officer Georgie Harman detailed how respondents said that “a lack of social connection, isolation, and negative self-worth are lingering feelings”, adding that they believe “things aren’t quite back to normal just yet”.
Many Australians also revealed their desire for a diverse range of mental health and wellbeing support, including online mental health tips, digital tools, and someone to talk to.
Ms Harman acknowledged that “longstanding issues with service access, availability, and affordability have been exacerbated by the pandemic, meaning finding support for your mental health is particularly challenging at the moment”.
However, she explained how digital supports are a great way to start managing your own mental health and wellbeing, especially for those who find themselves on a waitlist or worried about actions they can take.
She pointed to Beyond Blue’s forums, which receive over 50,000 monthly visitors looking to discuss a host of topics, including relationship problems, depression, anxiety, gender identity, and grief, as a starting point.
“We’ve recently made massive changes to the forums, making them more accessible and easier to use, allowing the community to receive compassionate support from others who get it, no matter where they are, right at their fingertip,” she said.
She reassuringly concluded that “no problem is too big or small. Seeking support at the first sign you’re not feeling quite yourself can make it easier to bounce back and maintain good mental health”.
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.