Coronavirus Australia: Surge in access to youth mental health support

Tens of thousands of young Aussies have reached out for help during the COVID-19 crisis but 70 per cent of those don’t seek support.

The coronavirus crisis has intensified pre-existing stressors for young people while adding even more issues to the mix.

ReachOut, a free internet service for Australians aged 12 to 25, has been accessed by an additional 120,000 people since physical distancing measures were announced – a rise of 50 per cent on the same period last year.

It reported a spike of 160,000 contacts in March, rising from a low of just over 40,000 at the end of 2019, according to graphs released by the federal government.

But as coronavirus restrictions start to ease across the country, some serious mental health issues remain, as do the support services to help those in need.

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ReachOut is free and provides 24/7 assistance. Picture: Courtesy of ReachOut Australia

‘IT’S NOT JUST ONE ISSUE’

ReachOut chief executive Ashley de Silva says uncertainty has “definitely been a big part” of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting young people along with study stress and loneliness.

“What we've seen is the coronavirus has kind of moved in phases,” he said.

“The first phase was really characterised by anxiety and fear, it felt like it came on really quickly (and there was the added) risk of contracting the virus.

“Over time it has moved onto different issues. There was a period in between where there was a high amount of uncertainty and stress around adjusting our lives.

“The past few weeks – more thinking of feelings of restriction and frustration, starting to think more in the longer-term, employment and family stress. It's not just one issue.”

ReachOut Australia CEO Ashley de Silva. Picture: Courtesy of ReachOut Australia

He said while they focused on study stress every year, “overlay coronavirus and uncertainty takes on an even bigger question mark”.

“Seventy-five per cent of young people in their final year are already experiencing worrying levels of study stress and we’re not even in the exam period,” Mr de Silva said, noting they had brought their response to the issue forward with a study stress resources hub.

People seeking support have asked about going back to school, how their performance will be impacted and/or if COVID-19 will affect their ability to gain part-time employment while studying.

THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE

Mr de Silva said 93,000 people had accessed ReachOut’s coronavirus-specific support, which includes coping strategies for young people, parents and secondary school educators, since it was released on March 16.

"Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, Lifeline – they're all seeing increases,” he told news.com.au.

“The opportunity is there to keep engaging people.

“I think the most important thing is we're doing everything we can to get the word out.”

RELATED: Mental health hotline calls increase during COVID-19

Mr de Silva said he wants more young people to engage with the support out there. Picture: iStock

According to ReachOut, a quarter of young Australians are experiencing a mental health difficulty.

But 70 per cent “don’t actually seek support”, Mr de Silva said.

He said the “most pressing issue” is that young people engage in the services available to them.

"Our view is we try to help young people help themselves but also the people they turn to," he said.

SEEK OUT LIGHT RELIEF

ReachOut also provides anonymous forums for young people to pick a pseudonym and share their thoughts.

Its special discussion called “Let’s Chat: Coronavirus (COVID-19)” has been viewed almost 2000 times, with people speaking about anxiety, sadness regarding out-of-school activities ending, frustration over toilet paper hoarding and tips for getting through the crisis.

“I'm so glad this is a thread, I've been needing this in my life,” one user wrote.

Another said: “Sounds like some people are going through really rough times right now. It’s so cool how everyone is supporting each other!”

ReachOut has seen a 50 per cent increase to its traffic. Picture: Courtesy of ReachOut Australia

Mr de Silva said more than 88,000 of ReachOut’s additional 120,000 people had been visiting youth content, and he stressed that young people should know their peers are accessing support in “such large numbers”.

“Although it's been a really challenging period, we know there will still be months ahead that are continually challenging,” he said.

“You don't have to wait until things feel really bad to make use of services to reach out.”

In addition, he said it was important that young people “seek light relief” such as through music.

This Friday night, May 15, ReachOut is hosting a free couch party with its partner KFC featuring Australian indie pop duo Client Liaison.

“We’re excited to bring a bit of Client Liaison into people’s homes during this time of isolation,” the band said.

Fans can expect to hear The Real Thing and other tunes from 6pm on the KFC Facebook page.

You can access ReachOut here.