Impact of Covid-19 in Mental Health

impact of Covid 19 in mental health and wellbeing was recognised early in the pandemic . In addition to concerns around contracting the virus itself, some of the measures necessary to contain its spread were also likely to negatively impact mental health (NMHC 2020). 

Widespread restrictions of movement, social distancing measures and physical isolation, or ‘lockdowns’, were implemented from March 2020. The sudden loss of employment and social interaction, and the added stressors of moving to remote work or schooling, and more recently, impacts of sudden, localised ‘lockdowns’ to prevent further outbreaks have impacted the mental health of many Australians. Stress, confusion and anger are commonplace as a result of the pandemic  and, while many people may not experience any long-term concerns, COVID-19 has the potential to contribute to or exacerbate long-term mental illness including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance misuse .

isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. People with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection ̶ they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death. 

In Australia Between 16 March 2020 and 25 April 2021, over 15.0 million MBS-subsidised mental health-related services were processed.MBS mental health services delivered via telephone or videoconference peaked during April 2020 when about half of MBS mental health services were delivered via telehealth.

 In the 4 weeks to 25 April 2021, 20.0% of MBS mental health services were delivered via telehealth.The volume of mental health-related PBS prescriptions dispensed spiked in March 2020 when restrictions were first introduced, followed by a dip in April. 

From mid-May 2020 to mid-Feb 2021 weekly volume tracked above the same period one year prior. These patterns were observed across all jurisdictions.

In the 4 weeks to 25 April 2021:Lifeline received almost 82,000 calls (a decrease of 2.3% from the 4 weeks to 26 April 2020 and an increase of 18.4% from the 4 weeks to 28 April 2019).

Kids Helpline received almost 26,000 answerable contact attempts (a decrease of 26.6% from the 4 weeks to 26 April 2020 and an increase of 10.5% from the 4 weeks to 28 April 2019).

Beyond Blue received over 22,000 contacts (a decrease of 14.9% from the 4 weeks to 26 April 2020 and an increase of 30.7% from the 4 weeks to 28 April 2019).

In 2020 the number of suspected or confirmed deaths by suicide in New South Wales (897) and Victoria (708) were similar to 2019.