We have all been affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways and to varying degrees. The longevity of COVID-19, the fatigue that many are experiencing, and the impact of uncertainty on our mental health and wellbeing is a reality for all Australians – and our mental health is just as important as our physical health.
I recently heard three year-12 students on the North Shore have committed suicide in the last 6 weeks. There is no easy solution for suicide prevention, but we need to stay close to our children and reassure them that they are not alone, that life will get better and “this too shall pass”.
The Australian Government has launched #GettingThroughThisTogether to acknowledge the stressors and difficulties of COVID-19 and provide simple and practical tips to support Australians’ mental wellbeing. Here is the website:
https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/gettingthroughthistogether
We will all need a little extra support during this time, so let’s be kind, stay connected, check-in with each other, and seek professional support when we need it.
There are also some touching stories on Facebook at #SuicideAwareness.
Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Sofie Korac is an Authorised Representative (No. 400164) of Prudentia Financial Planning Pty Ltd, AFSL 544118 and a member of the Association of Financial Advisers.
Financial Advice Sydney and the North Shore Office based in Gordon NSW