"The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is posing significant challenges for Australia including physical and mental health issues, economic consequences and disruptive changes to lifestyles of individuals, families and communities. Evidence shows there is likely to be a significant negative mental healtheconomic consequences for individuals and the community.
Currently available data indicate that there are higher levels of reported anxiety and psychologicalillness have disconnected from services. There is strong evidence from previous pandemics and mental distress and illness, increased substance use and increased risk of suicide in the longer term.
It is imperative that mental health be considered in both the response and recovery phases of the pandemic across all levels of Government and community, to ensure that early intervention can mitigate adverse downstream impacts."