2020: Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic

The deeper effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being understood, but it is clear that a number of factors are causing increased distress in the community, including:

• high levels of unemployment
• financial stress
• violence at home during lockdown
• substance abuse and alcohol consumption
• social isolation
• homelessness.

This joint white paper, released by Suicide Prevention Australia and Wesley Mission, investigates the link between the pandemic and distress-causing factors, and examines current and future negative outcomes.

The paper is particularly important for individuals and organisations involved in reducing distress in the community following COVID-19, including government stakeholders, policymakers and key decision makers. It highlights the importance of well-equipped support services, inclusive of mental health and suicide prevention. The report highlights a series of recommendations for Government to help protect the wellbeing of at-risk Australians.

You can read the white paper below or download a copy by clicking on the button on the left.