New statistics from Lifeline have confirmed rising levels of public concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Lifeline, almost one quarter of this week’s callers discussed the coronavirus crisis.
Lifeline chairman John Brodgen said calls are expected to increase with the COVID-19 crisis and the resulting closures, financial stress, social isolation and concerns about health.
“If mandatory isolation is imposed, we know there will be many Australians who will struggle with isolation and heightened anxiety,” he said.
“We are asking people to look out for those who may struggle through isolation, especially if they live on their own.
“By reaching out to someone who may be struggling and letting them know you care, you can send a really powerful message of hope.”
Headspace Armadale community engagement officer Chanell Moollan said the biggest concern for young people is the uncertainty of the future as a result of the pandemic.
“What we really want everyone to do is try and stay connected, whether that be phone-calls, online or through social media,” she said.
“Find something that you do love doing during isolation whether that be movies or reading books and things like that.
“[Take] the normal steps that we do recommend to look after your mental health so that means things like engaging in exercise and trying to eat as nutritionally as possible.”
Here’s what students from Curtin University have to say about social isolation.
ABC’s Hack programme has released their tips and tricks for taking care of your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, view the full article here.
Ms Moollan also highly recommends retrieving all facts and information about the coronavirus pandemic from legitimate sites and not from click-bait-type sources.
If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, you can call:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Categories: COVID-19, Health, Mental Health