Counselling Support During COVID-19

The consequences of COVID-19 has devastated many lives, and left many other struggling to come to terms with how life has changed, and how life might look like in the future.  With impacts on employment, schooling, home life, relationships, children and changing contact with family members and friends we have all faced the pressure and stress of an unprecedented situation which has tested our ability to cope.

In response to the situation one in five Australians have reported high to very high levels of psychological distress. While our lives have changed, so to has how we are seeking help. In April 2020 36% of standard General Practitioner appointments were conducted by video-conference, with mental health and counselling services also increasingly being delivered online.

Through the uncertainty and changes from COVID many people reported experiencing increased stress, anxiety, depression, anger and grief. For people who were already dealing with psychological or emotional distress due to pre-existing mental health issues or life stressors, these issues can be magnified. During stressful times many people will seek coping strategies that they have used before. Research has shown that unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol and drug use also increased.

In navigating through these difficult times, some of the healthier coping strategies people found beneficial included ensuring that they maintain daily routines such as exercise, nutrition, self-care and social connection.

There has also been an increase in people seeking emotional and psychological support through mental health care professionals. A counsellor can provide support through assisting someone with what they are currently going through and also supporting the development of healthier routines and strategies to manage the emotional and psychological impacts.