Shocking new mental health studies are indicating that the fallout in Australia from the COVID-19 pandemic will hit hard.
Kathi Boorman, the CEO of one of Australia's leading mental health providers, One Door Mental Health said every day, six men and two women will end their own lives, but studies are showing with the impact of the pandemic, this is anticipated to increase by almost 14 per cent over the next five years, resulting in almost 20,000 deaths by suicide by 2025. Commonwealth Department of Health figures also reveal more than one million Australians sought mental health treatment since the coronavirus outbreak began in March.
"There is no doubt we are experiencing a mental health epidemic in Australia," said Ms Boorman.
"The sooner we address these figures by changing attitudes and encouraging people to reach out for support, the sooner we can help people living with mental illness to move forward."
One person coping with mental health issues is Jayke Burgess of Katoomba, a trans gay man. Back when he still presented as female, he experienced long-term domestic abuse and is still recovering.
"I have had a few moments in lockdown where I became aware of depression creeping in and my need to focus on keeping myself well.
"Isolation and loneliness can be big triggers for mental illness symptoms. Recovery is a journey with many ups, left, rights, downs, and managing this when we have all had big changes to our lifestyles and routines can be difficult."
Mr Burgess, 41, works for One Door Mental Health in western Sydney and said he is "lucky to have the resources I need should I have mental illness symptoms, but many do not".
"The number of job losses and economic impacts will place people in desperate situations where they are at risk of homelessness, hungry, isolated and experiencing poverty. For many this will trigger feelings of grief ... it can trigger situational depression and one possible symptom is suicidal ideation."
One Door - formally known as the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW - specialises in severe and persistent mental illnesses and is urging those who can, to take part in their eighth annual wellness walk this month.
"This is not just another walk," said Ms Boorman. "It is an opportunity for every Australian to unite in their fight for greater awareness, support and care for people experiencing severe and complex mental illness.
This year's Wellness Walk is going virtual, with people encouraged to register to run or walk 2km or 6km, anytime, anywhere around their communities on November 22. Earlybirds (before November 16) will receive a wellness walking kit, which includes a branded race bib, event T-shirt, the Wellness Walk medallion, and giveaways prior to the walk. Entry starts at $46.
Mr Burgess is walking and said it had "been integral to my recovery"
"Recovery and thriving is possible. I want people to know that the desperate sadness or blank feeling, those anxious feelings or overwhelming grief will pass by, there is hope and that change will happen. Change is one of life's only constants and can be a source of hope.
He said early intervention is key to solving mental illness - teaching life skills and emotional intelligence from primary school.
"Additionally, if people know what supports are available this would have a big impact on mental health outcomes."
Go to wellnesswalk.org.au/register.
