The global health pandemic has resulted in an increase in calls to Lifeline, with people seeking help for issues including financial distress, unemployment and addiction.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Nationally Lifeline had a sustained 24 per cent increase in calls between March to May, on average 3000-3200 a day, which equates to 90,000 calls per month.
Volunteers at Lifeline Central West answered in excess of 3300 calls in May alone.
There are three Lifeline centre's in the central west; Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo.
Lifeline Central West CEO Stephanie Robinson said other calls reported during that time were relationship issues, domestic and family violence, fear over health concerns and stress over managing children at home.
"But for many it was around fear, uncertainty and threats to sense of safety and security in the world," she said.
"It was a time full of chaos, change and disruption and for many it was on top of existing stressful times such as prolonged drought or bushfire."
With COVID-19 restrictions easing, Lifeline Central West have increased its crisis supporter numbers to assist on the 13 11 14 crisis line and are ramping up online training workshops.
"We are also seeing an increase in people under financial strain and unemployment," Ms Robinson added.
"There has also been an increase in problem gambling so we have counsellors that are prepared for the increase in demand."
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
The Lifeline Central West CEO said mental health should always be a priority, but during the pandemic many ignored both their physical and mental health and could be overdue for check-ups.
"Many people have felt their world is changed forever, their sense of security and safety has been challenged so many may feel heightened levels of anxiety and distress," Ms Robinson explained.
"All over the world people have had to physically isolate however we strongly encourage all to connect and get intentional about maintaining relationships and not isolating socially.
"Those that practiced this may have felt better than even pre-COVID, however many felt less connected and experienced heightened emotions such as feeling depressed, anxious, fearful, out of control and overwhelmed."
Ms Robinson said in previous times of crisis and disasters, there is an indication that there is a feeling of community.
"And people are supportive of one an other, often it is after that we seen an increase in suicide and mental ill health," she said.
"So it's important to seek help early rather than leave it."