Mental health - the real pandemic of 2022

Press conferences, exposure sites, conspiracy theories and a tonne of misinformation - it's all the ingredients of a typical pandemic. We've been living a version of normal for two years now and things don't seem to change. Whenever a press conference is called, Facebook comments light up with the words 'LOCKDOWN'. You wouldn't be human if you're a little over all of this...

Experts have a label for this and it's 'Pandemic fatigue' with the Federal Government's very own mental health website having a designated section to this phenomena. It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light a whole new medical emergency... mental health and Australia's lack of education around it.

The Federal Government have some resources available if you're feeling pandemic fatigue. You can view them by clicking here.

Photo: ​www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au

The Black Dog Institute reports that 1 in 5 (20%) Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year. During the pandemic we saw ordinary Australians step up and create/deliver mental health projects that mattered.

At the Western Australia Australian of the Year Awards in November of 2021, 28-year-old Kendall Whyte was recognised as the WA Young Australian of the Year for 2022. Whyte founded the Blue Tree Project in 2019 with her efforts also being noticed during the pandemic. Blue trees are popping up here in Australia, but also overseas in countries like Canada and Britain. Kendall spoke to Youth Jam after being recognised for her efforts.

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Pandemic fatigue and lack of support in the mental health space have left Aussies vulnerable. Statistics from the Mental Health Commission show suicide was the 13th leading cause of death for non-Indigenous Australians and the 5th leading cause of death amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Another cash injection will benefit the mental health space, but what is truly needed is further education and a removal of the stigma that surrounds mental health and seeking help. 

If this article brought up anything for you, then call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. You are loved.