Coronavirus lockdown masking Victoria’s mental health crisis
Victoria is in the middle of a mental health crisis, with tougher restrictions predicted to take a heavy toll and experts cautioning six weeks of hard lockdown could send people already struggling into a deep spiral.
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Victoria is in the middle of a mental health crisis, with tougher restrictions predicted to take a heavy toll.
Experts have cautioned that six weeks of hard lockdown could send many people already struggling into a downward spiral.
Professor of youth mental health at Melbourne University and Orygen executive director Patrick McGorry said the pandemic had created the “perfect storm”, leaving young people especially vulnerable.
“Given the restrictions and the blow to morale as well the isolation, all those things are very bad for your mental health,” he said.
Prof McGorry said, though suicide numbers were not significantly higher than this time last year, the sector was bracing for a jump, predicted by scientific modelling.
“I’m concerned stage four will really bring it forward,” he said. “When people seek help they’re blocked, the state system is already struggling severely and federally there are waiting lists and financial barriers for getting help.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt on Sunday announced access to psychological assistance under Medicare will be bolstered, with an additional 10 sessions available to anyone living in a lockdown area.
“Today is one of the hardest days in Victoria’s history in terms of health for the families that have been affected, with the lives of their loved ones, or those that have been infected,” Mr Hunt said.
“In terms of the economy, small business owners who will face new challenges, people focusing on their jobs, their income, their mortgages, or their business overdrafts.
“And of course for mental health, for today this will be a very significant challenge for so many Victorians.”
Prof McGorry welcomed the announcement but said “rapid reform” was required.
He said rather than just getting people in the “front end”, resources should be directed towards other programs, such as expanding Hospital in the Home.
“We’re putting in a tremendous effort to save the lives of those affected by the virus, but we need the same amount of effort to combat mental ill health,” Prof McGorry said.
Beyond Blue crisis hotlines reported significant increases in demand last month, with calls increasing 60 per cent in May and 47 per cent in June compared with the same time last year.
Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said the Premier’s announcement was “tough news” for Victorians.
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