Mental health helplines see a 30 PER CENT increase in calls since Covid pandemic began – with fears thousands of Australians caught up in lockdown are struggling behind closed doors
- Lifeline and Beyond Blue have reportedly seen a 30% increase in helpline calls
- The statistics compared call amounts in the same period before the pandemic
- These help lines are for people seeking emergency mental health assistance
- Statistics have also revealed a spike in mental health related prescriptions
Mental health support services have experienced a surge in calls for help during the Covid-19 pandemic as Australians struggle to cope with the crippling cycle of lockdowns.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said calls made to Lifeline and Beyond Blue have increased by 30 per cent since the pandemic first hit Australian shores in March 2020.
The pleas for help come despite an extra $74million in government funding being invested in Australia’s mental health services in the past year.
Lifeline and Beyond Blue have reportedly received 30% more calls compared to the time period before the Covid-19 pandemic began, showing the negative affects living during the pandemic is having on Australians
‘Social isolation, fear of contagion, and loss of family members is compounded by the distress caused by loss of income and often employment,’ Director-General of the World Health Organisation Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a report from May 2020. Pictured are two Sydney residents on Saturday as the city enters its ninth week of lockdown
‘For those experiencing lockdowns, this is a time of disruption and frustration for many, and a time of isolation and fear for others,’ Professor Kidd said, according to news.com.au.
‘We need to be supporting each other and showing our love and our care to our family members and to our neighbours and our friends.’
The mulit-million dollar funding boost came in response to the World Health Organisation urging countries to increase investment in mental health services in a May 2020 report.
‘The impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health is already extremely concerning,’ Director-General of the World Health Organisation Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
‘Social isolation, fear of contagion, and loss of family members is compounded by the distress caused by loss of income and often employment.’
Statistics meanwhile from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show a spike in mental health related prescriptions.
The Australian government invested $74 million into mental health services as a part of Australia’s Covid-19 national health plan, and statistics have shown a spike in mental health related prescriptions during the pandemic. Sydneysiders pictured walking through the city on Thursday
Deputy Chief Health Officer Michael Kidd encouraged those who need assistance to continue to reach out to Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Kids Helpline. Pictured is a road block in Sydney on Saturday
Professor Kidd encouraged those who need assistance to contact mental health helplines, including Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline.
‘If you feel you may need help or assistance or you need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out.’
If you or anyone around you is in need of assistance, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.