Politicians adding to mental health crisis: Virtual Psychologist Dervla Loughnane says
A psychologist says patients are requesting mental health support and treatment at an alarming rate because of politicians. She explains why.
Gold Coast
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A psychologist says patients are requesting mental health support and treatment at an alarming rate due to the actions and words of politicians.
Virtual Psychologist CEO Dervla Loughnane said she had never seen anything like it in 23 years.
She attributed a spike in aggression levels to the vaccine mandate and Covid restrictions.
“I have never seen such a common reference to politicians,” Ms Loughnane said.
“People are actively commenting on politics and personalising politicians and how that relates to their mental health.
“Anytime you have a personalisation of someone and anger behind it - I do worry.
“People are starting to focus their anger on specific targets so it does worry me.”
She said this anger also extended to health workers and police officers enforcing Covid restrictions.
There’s also a “high level” of angst in the community over the vaccine mandate which came in force on December 17, Ms Loughnane said.
Under the mandate, patrons are now required to show proof of double Covid vaccination to “non-essential” businesses. Those who don’t comply could be fined $1378.50.
The Queensland government will review the mandate at 90 per cent but hasn’t given a date for when it will end.
“A lot of people are exceptionally angry. There’s a high level of anger over the (mandate) situation,” Ms Loughnane said.
“A lot of people are feeling like they’re being discriminated against and that there is a lack of unity within the country.
“The uptake (in mental health support) started increasing months ago when there was talk of this mandate.
“At this stage there’s still a degree of anger ... As that emotion gives way, we will see more cases of depression.”
Increased aggression levels are also being reported in the online world.
The administrator of a Mudgeeraba Facebook community group, Pauline Hatch, was forced to introduce a “no naming and shaming policy” in her online community last week.
“We’ve run this group for almost five years, and two of those have been through Covid,” Ms Hatch said.
“Each new lockdown, restriction and change brings the worst out on social media, and our group is no exception.
“We know people are angry, businesses are in difficult positions, and the move is dividing our whole state.
“We also know that us Mudgeerabarbarians can be the complete opposite of that.”
A Queensland Health spokeswoman said Covid response measures were based on the best expert medical advice to prioritise the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
Psychologist Luke Foster of Gold Coast-based charity LIVIN said it was important for people to keep their mental health in check during this period.
He said it was crucial when consuming information on social media to “stick to the facts” in the pursuit of “positive mental health.”
“Try your best to remain calm and continue with your usual routine, as much as you can,” Mr Foster said.
“If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, caregiver, be mindful that the current situation might be having an adverse impact on those younger people in your lives.
“Being open and honest with younger people is the best way to help them cope with serious situations – from mental illness, physical illness, suicide and now Covid-19.”
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