More Canberrans are seeking help for depression and suicidal thoughts during lockdown. This week, the ACT Government gave Woden Community Service $40,000 to increase its suicide prevention service, while record numbers called Lifeline’s crisis telephone line.
Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Mental Health, said the government and welfare organisations must improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Canberrans before they reach crisis point.
“The mental health impacts of COVID will last longer than lockdown,” Ms Davidson said. “Many are already experiencing lockdown fatigue, which is why we need to help people build resilience and know where to go for additional support.”
Woden Community Service will use the money to boost one-on-one support for people who have attempted suicide, through The Way Back support service, said spokesman Guy Micklethwait. The organisation will employ more aftercare psychosocial support staff, so they can work with increased numbers of clients.
Since the first lockdown in 2020, Mr Micklethwait said, more Canberrans have been referred to The Way Back; the higher volume of referrals began in September and peaked in December.
In the past three weeks, he said, there has been an unusually high volume of referrals for August – 34 people, twice the number of clients last August.
“As the lockdown continues, we will experience a greater demand,” Mr Micklethwait said. “People will experience the isolation of lockdown, and they will want opportunities for social connection and engagement.”
Similarly, more than 3,560 people called Lifeline this week, many of them people reaching out for the first time, said Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie-Ann Leeson.
“A large component of our mental wellbeing is wrapped up in the length and experience of this lockdown,” Ms Leeson said.
“We urge Canberrans to take care of themselves and to do the right thing. That’s a key factor in our exit from this way of life, and a critical factor in our overall sense of wellbeing in the long term.”
According to Beyond Blue, Mr Micklethwait said, suicidal warning signs may include social withdrawal, persistent drop in mood, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness.
“If you’re having suicidal thoughts, talking about how you feel can be incredibly helpful, and a number of people and services can support you.”
- Dial 000 or go to a hospital emergency department.
- Crisis and Assessment Team (CATT): 1800 629 354
- Mental Health Line (24 hours): 1800 011 511
- Lifeline (24 hours): 13 11 14
- Mens Helpline: 1300 78 99 78
- Suicide Call Back Service (24 hours): 1300 659 467
“People can help look after themselves by considering how their lifestyle affects their wellbeing, such as engaging in regular exercise, reducing consumption of alcohol or drugs, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet,” he said.
“Managing stress and making time for themselves is also critical. Furthermore, contacting friends, family members, and significant others regularly can help maintain a healthy support network.”
Woden Community Service offers regular phone, video, and other on-line support; complex case management; therapeutic engagement and referral to psychological services; crisis management, skills development and distress tolerance, assistance navigating the mental health system, and warm referral to other services and supports. While they provide these services remotely, they also offer face-to-face support as an essential service to the most vulnerable Canberrans.
To reduce social isolation and community connection, Woden Community Service will expand its online social and peer groups. They will also provide assistance with vaccinations, as their resources allow.
Although Canberrans can face a long wait for psychological services at the moment, community-based programs like theirs provide a comprehensive and holistic package of support, Mr Micklethwait said.
“But in the scheme of things, the numbers of people we can admit to these programs is a small proportion to the need we all know is out there right now.”
Lifeline Canberra has run online self-compassion and reflection courses twice a week; more than 1,500 people have taken part so far this lockdown.
“Individuals have reported making many positive changes to their life already,” Ms Leeson said. “This is an incredible response. The team at Lifeline Canberra will continue to deliver these courses as long as is required.”
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