“I think this says these problems are significant and population-wide,and they really do influence people’s capacity to maintain optimism and continue to fulfil their responsibilities.”
People should know “if you are feeling low,you are not alone”,and that these psychological states are associated with reduced levels of energy,functional efficiency,optimism,creativity and engagement and the capacity to concentrate and problem-solve.
However,Professor Fisher said the research showed most people viewed themselves as “not in an abnormal state that requires professional care,but responding in a normal way to an abnormal circumstance,and I have to completely agree with that”.
‘The big risk factor found in this study was loss of employment ... which shows the importance of the JobKeeper program in protecting mental health.’
Professor Tony Jorm,Melbourne University
Melbourne University Centre for Mental Health professor Tony Jorm said the study’s findings were consistent with Australian Bureau of Statistics surveys that found people showing increased symptoms of distress during lockdown periods.
“I agree with the authors’ conclusions that reducing this distress is not just about increasing mental health services. We need to reduce the risk factors leading to distress. The big risk factor found in this study was loss of employment due the pandemic,which shows the importance of the JobKeeper program in protecting mental health.”
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Beyond Blue’s lead clinical advisor,Dr Grant Blashki,said the study provided “evidence it is necessary to clarify how best to assist people during these periods ... this helps inform the way in which we can best provide assistance to those most in need”.
The research accords with what Beyond Blue had noted,with demand for support services during lockdowns increasing on average about 14 per cent.
The study,“Qualifying the mental health burden of the most severe COVID-19 restrictions:A natural experiment”,was published in theJournal of Affective Disorders. It found despite more Victorians having been infected or knowing someone who had the virus,people’s mental health problems were more closely linked to restrictions than fear of infection.
Professor Fisher said the findings were concerning and showed “Australia needs a pathway to psychological recovery that complements the national cabinet’s current economic and pandemic management plans”.
Melbourne woman Zoe Vafiadis said worry about her son’s welfare during lockdown,as he has autism and was missing important learning support to prepare him for entering mainstream school,caused the onset of anxiety. She had not previously experienced such symptoms.
“I tend to find myself thinking in circles ... there is really no way to plan while things are up in the air. I’ve never really laid awake at night worrying about things before,” said Ms Vafiadis,who works in customer service.
“For me,my anxiety has also been about how the virus might mutate and start to attack children,that sort of thing. Things I have absolutely no control over.”
If you or anyone you know needs support callLifeline on 131 114,or Beyond Blue’scoronavirus mental wellbeing support service on 1800 512 348.