A new survey has shown how COVID-19 devastated mental health services across the world - and New Zealand is no exception.
Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows the pandemic has disrupted or halted "critical" mental health services across 130 countries, highlighting an "urgent need to increase investment in the chronically underfunded sector".
What are people missing out on?
- 93 percent of countries experienced some kind of disruption to services overall
- More than 60 percent of the countries surveyed reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable people
- Children and adolescents experienced a 72 percent disruption
- Older adults suffered 70 percent
- Women requiring ante- or post-natal care saw a 61 percent disruption
- 70 percent of the countries saw psychotherapy and counselling services disrupted
- 65 percent had critical harm reduction services impacted
The survey found bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are "triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones".
In New Zealand, already over-burdened mental health services experienced a 15-20 percent rise in demand from patients needing psychiatric help.
Dr Bryan Betty, the medical director of the Royal New Zealand college of General Practitioners, told The Guardian depression and anxiety had risen "substantially" in the wake of the lockdown.
One of the people who experienced this rise in anxiety was Dr Ashley Bloomfield - the face of New Zealand's COVID-19 response.
On Wednesday, Bloomfield opened up about the stress he faces while fronting up the New Zealand public.
Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, Bloomfield appeared in front of the media daily to update on case numbers alongside Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - he says the experience was, and still is, nerve-wracking
The Director-General of Health said the first time he faced the public on January 27 he was "nervous as heck".
"I still get nervous now," he told Sir John Kirwan in an appearance on the podcast Open-Minded: Leadership During A Pandemic.
"But right from day one it was just being myself and being true to myself. Whilst you know something like this [a pandemic] will come along, you're never quite prepared for it."
Bloomfield told Sir John at the beginning of the pandemic he struggled to identify stress points and came up with a plan to combat any mental health concerns.
"I was dreaming about COVID-19 for the first few weeks and I knew it was impacting my performance."
He says he relied on family and friends for support.
"The more I used people around me the better I slept."
Bloomfield says he would advise people who are experiencing distress to reach out to those around them for support - and says it's crucial to keep an eye on others too.
"Asking other people how they are is most important. It's okay not to be okay. Look out for other people. Be kind - that's being kind to yourself as well."
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
