The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc all over the world and Australia was hit hard, with multiple lockdowns, which were followed by mass redundancies and even though the pandemic is over, mental health is still a cause for concern. It might shock you to learn that more than 8 million Australian adults have had mental health problems at least once in their lives; approximately half of that number have had mental health issues in the past 12 months.
Typical mental health issues
Common problems include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Substance abuse
The multiple lockdowns we experienced in Australia put a lot of stress on the citizens and it is no surprise that mental health counsellors were extremely busy, indeed, they still are. Alcohol abuse is more common than it should be; many who have anxiety about finances or their career often self-medicate with alcohol, which leads to dependency.
As you would expect, there is an extensive support infrastructure throughout Australia and essential funding for mental health counselling comes from the NDIS. You would have an initial consultation with a NDIS occupational therapist for assessment and if you are eligible, the healthcare professional would refer you to a local mental health counsellor.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This is a government agency that was created to fund those with permanent or significant disabilities, which includes people who are having mental health issues. The agency can be found online, with a comprehensive website that offers everything you need to know about the scheme and how to apply. Once a person qualifies, they are referred to a local mental health counsellor and the treatment might be face-to-face or via Zoom calls, depending on your location. Click here for more information on mental health therapy.
Substance abuse
Like many countries in the world, Australia is experiencing a rise in substance abuse, which is a reflection of the mental health situation. People who are stressed out often keep quiet and self-medicate with alcohol or an illegal substance, which eventually leads to dependency; the rehab clinics in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are very busy.
Financial worries
This is high on the list as far as causes for depression; if you have too much time on your hands, this can affect your mood and the temptation to self-medicate is there. Of course, sometimes self-medicating is the answer, yet generally speaking, using substances leads to further issues. If you are eligible for NDIS funding, you can access the expert help you need.
Communication is the key
When you are feeling anxious, keeping it all inside only makes things worse; talking to a qualified mental health counsellor can help to relieve stress. If you do nothing, your issues will impact relationships and that can be avoided by taking proactive steps and getting in touch with someone who is a good listener and will help you to be your former happy self.
One good thing is that mental health is being talked about, which is a positive change, especially men’s mental health; hopefully, the stigma will disappear and people can be more open when they are feeling anxious.
