Coronavirus: mental health support shunned

The condition of young people suffering from psychosis who stopped seeking support during the pandemic has worsened, new data shows.

The number of young people accessing mental health support fell by 20 per cent in April compared to the same time last year, according to the data.

Young Australians struggling with symptoms of psychosis stopped seeking support during the COVID-19 lockdown and are now presenting with more severe cases of the disorder, data shows.

The study, conducted by headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, found the number of young people accessing mental health support fell by 20 per cent in April compared to the same time last year.

It showed as lockdown laws began to lift there was a jump in demand for services from June to September, with a 42 increase in commencements to the early psychosis program compared to the same four months in 2019.

Headspace national clinical adviser Simon Dodd said the numbers concerning.

“COVID-19 has significantly impacted the lives and mental health of young people across Australia,” he said.

“The increased isolation, loss of connection, unemployment and disruptions to education have meant this time has been particularly tough for young people.

“The data is telling us that as lockdown eased in some states, there has been an increase in the numbers of young people with symptoms of early psychosis presenting to our programs.”

Mr Dodd said it was promising to see young people seeking help but noted more young people were presenting with more severe symptoms of ­psychosis.

“We would encourage young people to seek help early if they need it,” he said.