Albury Wodonga Health's Renee Murtagh, who works at North East and Border Mental Health Service, said facing the 'unknown' was difficult and uncomfortable and could make people feel more anxious and fearful.

Mrs Murtagh said people who are already vulnerable including those with young families, the elderly, people with substance abuse issues, people with disabilities and people with chronic physical or mental illness, were more likely to be negatively affected by lockdowns.

She said there was also a lot of pressure on families with school aged children.

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"Family relationships can suffer when everyone is together in the home, out of routine and not able to do the things that they normally do for their wellbeing, such as participating in sports, socialising with friends and getting some time out from their caring responsibilities," she said.

"If family relationships were already strained they tend to deteriorate further during challenging times...

"Alcohol use tends to increase after traumatic events such as what we are experiencing at the moment with the COVID outbreak.

"This can further impact family relationships especially if there is already family violence being experienced in the home."

Mrs Murtagh said it was important to stay in touch with vulnerable family and friends and to reach out to a GP or mental health provider if required.

For support contact AWH's Mental Health Triage line on 1300 104 211 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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