MENTAL HEALTH IS EMERGING AS A PRESSING CONCERN

HOW are you … really?

The collective wellbeing of society is succumbing to an increase in mental health issues.

The topic of mental health is emerging as one of the most pressing topics of medical concern worldwide, requiring serious attention and support. Amid the devastating and disabling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, distress, anxiety, and fear have been soaring. This has led, among other negative behaviours, to a rise in opioid and other drug abuse. On the other hand, millions are turning to prayer and spiritual beliefs as well as to psychological counselling.

Demand for these key wellness solutions to address mental health and wellbeing on the Gold Coast has increased noticeably in the past three years, with demand for local emotional health support services increasing by 18 per cent and COVID19 seeing another “spike”, recognising that the community found it hard to connect to each other.

As the Gold Coast grows, so, too, does the need for help, and the collaborative efforts between clinical services, psychological services and community support need to work closely to protect those that are vulnerable and in greatest need.

Sadly, 65,000 people make suicide attempts in Australia every year, with an average of eight people dying each day.

The demand we’re seeing is increasing primarily on the back of financial hardship caused by the pandemic, with most people likely to face some mental health difficulties.

The Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation Global Burden of Disease highlights that nearly 13 per cent of the global population – some 971 million people suffer from some sort of mental illness.

Unfortunately, there are millions of mental patients who are not receiving treatment due to a variety of challenges. These include poverty, poor education, lack of available facilities, and discrimination due to their illness. Stigmatisation of mentally ill individuals is prevalent and acts as a barrier preventing many from seeking help and treatment.

Current medical science defines mental health in terms of emotional, intellectual, physical, and psychosocial components. However, if we perceive human beings as noble and spiritual beings, this concept might have a positive and more meaningful effect on our attitude toward patients and mental health.

According to the World Health Organisation, mental health relates to “capabilities and positive adaptation that enable people both to cope with adversity and to reach their full potential and humanity”. In this light, spiritual resilience is a powerful tool in coping with adversity and maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.

One of the positive things observed during COVID-19 was how the opportunities for community connectivity emerged as a way for people to look out for each other with a stronger focus on community rather individualism. People got to know their neighbours and we have grown more appreciative of essential workforces – health workers, teachers, supermarket staff, and those who keep our city clean and safe.

While those at risk and the vulnerable will try to cover their sadness, we should take the time to check in with those in our homes, in our street and in workplaces so that we can support those in need as we begin to understand the longer term impacts of this pandemic, and the consequences for our economy, employment, education and sense of purpose.

Caring for each other, watching out for changes in behaviour, offering opportunities for connection – a walk and a coffee, or an online chat – and asking the question, “Are you OK?”, is a good beginning to build a healthier foundation in our community and to galvanise the future prosperity of all citizens.

THE decision by the Premier to close the borders this week was not an easy one – but it was the right one.

We are living in uncertain times. As we watch the case numbers and death toll continue to rise in Victoria, we need to be more vigilant than ever to protect the Gold Coast and wider Queensland from this insidious disease.

We are proof that by being vigilant, strong on compliance and working together, we can keep our economy open and protect our lifestyle.

It has also fallen on Queensland’s shoulders to be keepers of elite sport – the AFL, NRL and Super Netball to name just a few. To not only enable Australians to continue to enjoy sport but to also keep those industries alive is a huge responsibility which we proudly accept and will staunchly protect.

GOLD COAST CITY MAYOR

Watching Richmond’s Dustin Martin take a hanger at Carrara or Melbourne’s Cam Smith carve it up at Robina at some stage, will hopefully bring some joy and a small glimmer of hope for those doing it tough in the southern states.

It has also been a boost for our economy, with many of our accommodation houses hosting officials, teams, their support staff and families for the foreseeable future.

Council initially resolved to contribute $125,000 to the AFL to get the first hub up and running and in accommodation alone this investment has now returned more than $25 million.

In saying this, I feel deeply about the impact the border closures continue to have on tourism and border businesses. The city is taking some enormous hits and I continue to lobby the state and federal governments to keep providing support and financial relief for those hit hardest.

But to let down our guard and risk letting the virus in right now is not an option and I won’t accept commentary that it is inevitable.

Gold Coasters are resilient and innovative and Queenslanders are incredibly loyal. I know they will come and support our city as we continue to navigate through this disaster.

So Gold Coasters, I’m asking you not only to be patient and kind during this period, but to get along and barrack loudly for the Titans and the Suns who may never again play so many home games in one season!

And last but not least, social distancing remains key in this battle. Even when we are walking along our beautiful esplanades and beaches, we need to keep it up.

I am especially calling on the younger ones to do their bit. It’s not hard and won’t impact your great Gold Coast weekend.