Mental Health: Rising figures and the impact of COVID-19

People across the country and Western Sydney are tackling mental health in a way never experienced before. COVID-19 has changed the way community members manage their mental health and access support services, and a new cohort of people are experiencing mental health problems for the first time. Lockdown, financial uncertainty, job insecurity and isolation, are all contributing factors to rising rates of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to self-harm and suicide. Parallel to the increase in mental health triggers is a decrease in access to many traditional coping mechanisms due to lockdowns.

“Mental health issues don’t discriminate. Many people in our region may have never experienced mental health challenges before but are finding they need support,” – Ray Messom, CEO of WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

83,917 patients in Western Sydney have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression since 2015¹, and the number of patients being diagnosed with these mental health conditions has steadily increased during that time.

Although there is limited research on the current impact of the NSW lockdown, other providers have seen similar increases in the number of mental health clients since the pandemic began. In the four weeks to 25 April 2021, Beyond Blue received over 22,000 contacts, over 30% more than in April 2019². In the same time period, Lifeline received 82,000 calls, almost 20% more than in 2019³.

Responding to COVID-19: Head to Health Pop Up

Head to Health Pop Up has been established to respond to the growing need for mental health support due to circumstances caused by COVID-19. This is a collaborative project between New South Wales Primary Health Networks and the Department of Health to help community members access timely, appropriate care for any mental health concerns they may be experiencing due to the pandemic. Head to Health Pop Up is for all people in NSW of any age, including children.

The Head to Health Pop Up phone line is run by trained mental health professionals who assess the caller’s needs and connect them to the best local support services. This may be a local service, online or telehealth resource, or one of the Western Sydney Head to Health Pop Up clinics.

Head to Health Pop Up clinics in our region are located in Blacktown and Parramatta LGAs, at Unit 29, 20 Tucks Road, Seven Hills, NSW 2147, and 1/146 Marsden St, Parramatta 2150.

Anyone in NSW can recommend the Head to Health Pop Up service to their friends, families or patients. The model of care will act as a gateway for patients to receive support from existing services relevant to their postcode. This project will support the health care system in managing the increase in demand for mental health services at this time.

Western Sydney residents can call 1800 595 212 Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm for a free mental health assessment by a health professional and to be connected to an appropriate care provider. Walk-in appointments are also available at the Head to Health Pop Up clinics.

Recognising the ongoing mental health effects of COVID-19, Head to Health Pop Up will be available until at least 30 June 2022.