SA Health’s tone-deaf mental health support post on Facebook upsets followers

More than 18 months of living with Covid-19 restrictions and border controls has caused anxiety and fear among communities – and an SA Health Facebook post has done little to calm nerves.

SA Health received a barrage of criticism this morning on social media when a post encouraging people to seek mental health support struck a nerve for many of its followers.

The department’s post suggested while people might feel anxious or worried ahead of the state opening its borders on November 23, it was important to look after their health and wellbeing.

“If you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, please reach out to our network of services who are here to support you,” the post said.

The department encouraged followers to visit the organisation’s Covid-19 mental health support web portal for resources, online chat services and further information.

It prompted more than 560 comments, with many people said it was a lack of information about how the spread of community transmission would be managed that was causing anxiety in the community.

Followers said this included a lack of detail on what self-isolation and quarantine requirements would be in place once the virus spreads and infections become commonplace.

Locals asked about what changes would occur affecting cross border community members, while others questioned whether the state should be opening yet, with children under 12 unable to get vaccinated.

Sarah Rose wrote that the lack of information about the state reopening was “not helping”.

“Outlining requirements in terms of testing, any required quarantine for interstate travellers is needed now – not the day before we open,” she said.

Shona Olivia told SA Health “My main concern is that it is so close, yet we haven’t been told the plan/rules. We need to start planning, and we can’t.”

Border controls at Pinnaroo. Picture: Tait Schmaal

Kate Nourse responded, “Yeah, I feel completely helpless to protect my vulnerable kids. Anxious and worried would be an understatement.”

She said emergency departments were struggling to help people requiring urgent mental help.

“But thanks for posting this to make it look like you care and are doing the right thing,” she said.

“Sadly, reality is not quite as clear. Phones can also go unanswered. Mental health is an area where you need to ‘upskill’ more people.”

Leah Nieass responded, “Anxious, well duh, you’re happily letting in a deadly virus”. “My child is under the vax age (and) I’m double-vaxxed but immunocompromised.”

SA Health’s post provided a series of contact numbers for mental health support, including during emergencies.

The Advertiser today reported that lengthy lockdowns for casual contacts of Covid-19 cases would be abolished under contact tracing changes to be introduced after state borders reopen.

This would allow visitors at shops and businesses to avoid quarantine.

The details are expected to be released early next week but the Advertiser understands 14-day isolation for casual contacts would not be part of the new arrangements.

Close contacts of infectious people, such as family members and some workmates, were likely to continue to face restrictions as part of the gradual easing of testing, isolation and quarantine requirements after the state hits an 80 per cent double-dose vaccination rate.

An SA Health spokeswoman said: “We encourage people feeling distressed to call the SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line, which can provide support and link people to appropriate services that form part of the Covid-19 mental health response.”

“In addition to local mental health services, people in border communities also have access to the SA Covid-19 Mental Health Support Line and other phone and video-based services provided through non-government organisations,” she said.

The SA Covid-19 Mental Health Support Line operates from 8am-8pm, seven days a week, on 1800 632 753.

The government’s mental health response has included changes to the crisis response system, including improving access to long term beds and additional acute beds, a prison mental health in-reach service and additional clinical time for telephone services.

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