The Covid-19 pandemic has caused untold damage to both the physical and mental health of many Australians. From loneliness among the elderly to anxiety in schoolchildren, many fear that we face a mental health pandemic now too. According to the, 2020-2021 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW) 15% of Australians experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress and with lockdown, isolation and uncertainty, further support is needed.

Tackling the mental health crisis

In order to address the mental health pandemic, the Australian government pledged $48.1 million to the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan in May 2020. The main objectives of this proposal are to reduce the negative impacts on mental health during the pandemic, develop solutions, gather information and manage risks. This should provide more support for mental health services, with 3.4 million Australian adults seeing a professional about their mental health in 2020-21. The plan also aims to improve its outreach into the community and offer clearer pathways of care for patients.

Caring for carers

Another key concern is the mental health of workers in the healthcare sector who have faced stress, exhaustion and incredibly difficult working conditions throughout the pandemic. In healthcare, mental health for staff has become increasingly important and employers are being encouraged to prioritise staff mental health whenever possible. Some positive steps employers can make include:

• Creating a culture of self-care
• Regular check-ins for staff
• Signposting potential support
• Raising awareness of mental health
• Providing interventions to tackle stress and burnout

There is a wide range of online resources available for carers and medical professionals to help with their mental health too. The federal government has created a guide for health workers to access mental health services, with support lines, advice and contacts.

Broadening healthcare mental health support services

There has been a huge rise in the number of mental health apps, blogs and websites and in the number of people that use them. From mindfulness guides to online support groups to video call therapy sessions, it's crucial that the healthcare sector continues to innovate and offer different types of support. Around 612,000 Australians accessed mental health services using their phone or digital services during the pandemic, with online treatment programs and tools providing a valuable lifeline.

Whether staff are working at home,

Improving workforce mental health

in busy hospitals or hybrid working, there are so many ways organisations can look after their workforce's mental health and create a better environment. Some practical ways to improve workforce mental health have been agreed upon and actioned by a variety of companies and non-profit organisations, including:

• Mental health first aid training
• Flexible working hours
• Mental health days
• Creating a supportive environment
• Regular check-ins
• Mental health resources
  

It's also important that employers are aware of the various stresses and strains that can affect their workforce's wellbeing and prioritise a supportive culture that is open about mental health.

To learn more about managing mental health and wellbeing, join us at the FREE TO ATTEND Australian Healthcare Week 2022 at the Mental Health Services theatre. Healthcare Week runs March 16th – 17th at the ICC, Sydney.