Prevention, Not Treatment We can’t ignore mental illness prevention in a COVID-19 world
WRITTEN BY STEPHEN CARBONE
D espite the incremental people had hoped. Australians— particularly Victorians—have shown remarkable resilience, but many are suffering emotionally. easing of Victoria’s restrictions, it’s clear the journey towards COVID-normal is far slower than many
THE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF COVID-19 During the early days of the pandemic, surveys showed a sharp increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression across Australia. These difficulties continued into mid-August. More than 40% of Australians aged 18 years and older feel high levels of anxiety, and around one in six report depressive symptoms. To target this, federal and state governments have increased telephone, online and face-to-face mental health supports. While this is vital, more needs to be done to prevent people suffering severe mental health problems in the first place. Over 40% of Australians aged 18 years and older feel high levels of anxiety, and around 1 in 6 report depressive symptoms.
228
Powered by FlippingBook