By Emily-Rose Toohey
Regional mental health services have seen a consistent influx of people seeking support over the past two years.
In the unprecedented age of Coronavirus, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland CEO Derek Tuffield said there has been an increase in rural referrals.
“Uncertainty has caused a lot of anxiety,” Derek said.
However, he said this support seeking has also been due to other crises, including flooding and over seven years of drought.
“There’s been no period of reprieve and one challenge after another,” Derek said.
As of 1 December, he said the service’s in-person counsellor appointments have been booked-out until the new year.
The Toowoomba-based Lifeline branch has sent an outreach to Warwick and surrounds for support as a result.
Similarly, Headspace Warwick centre manager Travis Maguire said the 12- to- 25-year-old youth demographic the service supports has seen an increase in participant engagement as individuals are attending more sessions.
“There’s levels of complexity and ongoing concerns,” Travis said.
“However, Coronavirus is not the main reason for seeking care.”
Derek said Christmas is a busy time of year due to pressure, high emotions, and further uncertainty regarding the government vaccine mandate this year.
“National research has shown between 10pm and 5am are the busiest times for our 24-hour helpline, when people are anxious and aren’t sleeping,” Derek said.
In this time of uncertainty, former Warwick-based hypnotherapist Tony Kane said his alternative practise may help temporarily relieve stress and anxiety related problems.
“Work on confidence, concentration and feeling happy,” Tony said.
“Do things you used to do as a kid – look up at the sky and make shapes out of the clouds.”
