The uncertainty about the NSW Victorian state border closure has increased anxiety in the region, causing some residents to put off their health care appointments and become unwell, says one mental health expert.
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Albury Wodonga Health manager of early intervention and capacity building Renee Murtagh said it was important during stressful times like the pandemic, residents stay connected to family, friends and their health supports.
The mental health clinician said many thing were impacting people's mental health during the pandemic including job losses, economic concerns, worries about contracting COVID-19 and increased isolation.
"For a lot of people, all of these things are outside their control," she said.
"When it feels like things are happening that we don't have control over, it means that people's anxiety increases and worry particularly increases.
"Generally, there's an overall increase in people's stress levels but we're also noticing people aren't seeking the support they normally would, they're not attending GP appointments or they're not necessarily seeking out the mental health support they normally would, so we are seeing an increase in people becoming unwell.
"Some people are also feeling very vulnerable around developing COVID even though we don't have many cases in our region."
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Mrs Murtagh said the pandemic was stressful for both people with a history of diagnosed mental illness, and those without.
But, she said, if people were struggling to get to sleep or waking up in the night it could be a sign their mental health was being affected.
She said changes in appetite, whether eating more or not feeling hungry, as well as irritability and increase alcohol consumption could all be early warning signs that someone was becoming unwell and should seek help.
In addition Mrs Murtagh said if someone's thoughts were dominated by worry to the point where they could not switch off they should talk to a professional.
She advised residents should stay in touch with their friends, exercise and limited media consumption if they were overwhelmed.
Mrs Murtagh said it was especially important those with pre-diagnosed conditions kept appointments and sought support if needed.
"If someone is already predisposed to developing depression or anxiety or another major mental illness like psychosis, as soon as there's an increase in stress then that's when they become more acutely unwell," she said,
Anyone wanting help can contact AWH MH team on 1300 104 211, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue.org.au
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
