Mental health benefits of the jab
DR RUTH VINE
WE often talk about the protection getting vaccinated against Covid19 provides in relation to our physical health.
But what we don’t talk about enough are the significant mental health benefits that can flow from getting vaccinated against the virus.
Good mental health is associated with feeling confident about who you are and what you are doing, knowing that you have a role in helping your family and community to get through this difficult time.
Just knowing that you have protected yourself, physically, from the virus through vaccination can improve your mental health.
It’s knowing you are very unlikely to suffer serious illness, or be admitted to hospital, or even die if you were to contract the virus.
Knowing that your friends and family are similarly protected through vaccination can also improve your mental health.
We know, too, many families who have been impacted by someone close to them getting sick with Covid-19, with all the worry and fear of a bad outcome and need for hospitalisation.
And some of those who have got sick with Covid-19 continue to experience fatigue and lowered mood.
We all want to be able to pack our bags and go on holidays again. Celebrate birthdays with family and friends.
Or maybe get in the car and drive somewhere for a bushwalk.
Getting vaccinated and knowing you are doing your bit to help us all get beyond the lockdowns, so we can enjoy these things again, can make you feel better.
Getting vaccinated can also give a person a sense of agency – and by that, I mean it can give a person a greater sense of being able to control their future and actively participate in their community, be it at home, school or a sporting club.
None of these benefits understates the very significant detrimental impacts the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of a great number of Australians – in particular, those living through lockdowns.
People have lost jobs. People are feeling socially isolated and weary.
Parents are often juggling work and home-schooling duties in close quarters. And there’s been uncertainty about when the next lockdown might occur – so people have had to put much of their life on hold.
Before the pandemic struck, none of us imagined we’d be living through the lockdowns many of us are – and so one of my key messages is: it’s OK to be feeling worried and distressed. The important thing is to stay connected to family and friends and if you are feeling very stick, reach out for help.
Covid-19 is also having lasting effects on many of those who contract it – and it’s believed up to one in 10 suffer what has become known as “long Covid”. The effects of this syndrome can include
“brain fog”, where forming clear thoughts is difficult. It can also lead to depression.
I encourage every eligible person who is not yet vaccinated to get the jab for the physical protection it will offer against the serious effects of Covid-19.
The mental health benefits vaccination can provide are very clear. You feel safer, those around you feel safer, and you are part of the effort to get us all out and moving around again.
We all want to be able to pack our bags and go on holidays again
Getting the jab could be the most important thing you can do for your longer-term mental health.
Dr Ruth Vine is federal deputy chief medical officer for mental health
Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (131 114), Kids Helpline (1800 551 800), Butterfly Foundation (1800 334 673), Head to Health: headtohealth.gov.au