Mindful of impact on wellbeing
Australian Bureau of Statistics data in April and May showed 20 per cent of households surveyed had experienced stressors relating to COVID-19.
“Around one in five Australians reported that at least one person in their household had experienced one or more employment-related, housing, or other financial stressors,” the ABS report stated.
Six per cent reported that one or more people in their household had involuntarily lost their job; a further 6 per cent reported that one or more people in their household were not able to find a job; and 13 per cent of respondents who lived in a home owned with a mortgage said that one or more members of their household had difficulty in paying the mortgage for their home or an investment property.
Counsellor Kylie Nix said the pandemic had also exacerbated family stress and issues contributing to violence.
“I‘ve experienced an increase in support demand from my families with additional and carer demands, and in the areas of elder and domestic abuse,” Ms Nix said.
“Child safety concerns, housing instability and domestic violence in the areas of financial abuse and control has been noted.
“Negotiating formal institutions has been difficult for many, including services such as myself seeking to support them.”
Businesses have also turned to mental health support to bolster staff spirits during the pandemic.
“I am getting a lot of questions from businesses that are asking to help boost morale and calm anxiety among staff and employees,”
Kelly Geddes said.
She said simple tools were available for anyone to employ to cope with the stresses of isolation and uncertainty about the future.
“Exercise life coach is part of it –