DAVID CAMPBELL:
Now, it is D-day for Sydney Premier Gladys Berejiklian to make the difficult decision within a few hours now on whether to lift or tighten COVID restrictions over this Christmas period.
BELINDA RUSSELL:
With border closures already in place and families torn apart, anxiety is high. For more we're joined by Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine. Thanks so much for being on the show this morning. It has been an incredibly difficult year already, so how would a restricted Christmas affect Aussies?
RUTH VINE:
Firstly, thank you so much for inviting me on. And I have to say, it was great to see those young people having such fun in the water - isn't that what summer's about?
But, of course, alongside that fun as you've highlighted, many people are having a very different Christmas this year. And I think for many, coming on top of a really difficult year, and we shouldn't forget that this time last year many people were facing drought, bushfires, before we even knew what a crazy weird year it was going to be because of COVID. So, I think- look, uncertainty is the- is a harbinger of anxiety. And at the moment, as you've just highlighted, many people are still facing doubt about what they will and won't be able to do this Christmas. And as people would know from their experience of anxiety before, trying to know the facts and then plan accordingly is what people try and do, but it's very difficult.
So, for some people they'll be anxious and angry because they can't do what they want. Some people will be loaded with food and good cheer that they now can't share with the people - be able to share with the people that they were planning to do. And I would add that often Christmas is a very difficult time for those with pre-existing mental illness; there are fewer services around and often additional sort of family pressures. So, I think Australians will be feeling a whole range of things this Christmas, but it is a Christmas with extras.
DAVID CAMPBELL:
Sure. Dr Vine, what worries you the most when it comes to people's mental health after these tough 18 months we've experienced as a country?
RUTH VINE:
Well, look, I think the first thing I'd say about that is that what worries me is if people don't recognise when they do need assistance and don't reach out - and perhaps we'll come to some of those available supports in just a minute. But look, as I highlighted, I think this time of the year is very difficult for those with pre-existing mental illnesses, and those who are facing additional stressors, such as homelessness and isolation. I think we do know that, for many people, this year has greater uncertainty around work, holidays, employment and finances, and all those things are very real stressors.
Again, they're things that our governments have tried to respond to, so I think it's very important to recognise that there are increased capacity to our helplines, increased availability of Medicare funded sessions and so forth. But the worry really is that people don't sort of use their usual coping mechanisms, don't or can't use their usual social supports, and don't reach out for help in a timely way to address those problems.
DAVID CAMPBELL:
Dr Vine - sorry to interrupt - but on saying that, you know, someone who's been through anxiety myself, and I've certainly felt the pressure this year just through the external pressures of what everyone's going through. You- we've seen a lot of people turn to alcohol, particularly in this time, using that, sort of, go like: oh well, what does it matter, we'll just- you know, Dan Murphy's orders in and all sorts of stuff. And that seems like fun at the time, but is that problematic for some people out there?
RUTH VINE:
Oh, undoubtedly. I mean, I think one of the ironies about COVID was that perhaps one of the most accessible things were, as you've highlighted, bottle shops and other alcohol providers. Whereas other things were much less accessible, particularly community groups and the usual social supports, so that there was an absolute risk there that people would overuse and abuse.
Again, I hope that that's also something that people use their families and other social connections to address, and try and use our own common sense. But you're absolutely right, that some things didn't decline during that time. I would highlight that calls to helplines in relation to that actually did escalate a lot, so people did reach out for help and did discuss those problems with those able to provide good solid advice and supports.
BELINDA RUSSELL:
Dr Vine, what can we do to lift our spirits and help each other if our family or friends are struggling?
RUTH VINE:
It's- look, it's a good question. Of course, we have had practice this year - in fact, I'm in Melbourne, so I had a lot of practice during the Melbourne lockdown. But it- as I said, and look, as you've put up on there, first try and keep yourself as informed as you can, and as informed sensibly. So, that doesn't mean watching the news 24 hours a day or going on social media and looking for everything. I think it also means that you recognise your own, if you like, trigger points to anxiety, you recognise just how you can use people around you. Plan ahead - so, certainly I've planned to catch up with some friends in England. And I do have to say, that I think being in dark cold London at the moment would be the worst thing … [indistinct] sunny Australia.
BELINDA RUSSELL:
[Talks over] Yeah, it sure would be.
DAVID CAMPBELL:
Quite the opposite to us, isn't it? Just quickly before you go, Dr Vine, the kids are also feeling anxiety; they can get it from their parents or they can feel there's anxiety in the house. How can we get them to enjoy the holiday period so they don't feel so stressed?
RUTH VINE:
Look, firstly, I'm not a child expert, but you- we can all look back on our summer holidays, and we know that the sorts of things that keep us together with our friends and also keep us excited are knowing that there are some treats and some good things happening. And so, I think it's absolutely important for families - as you've highlighted there - to talk with kids, to- if they make promises to do your absolute level best. You know, false promises and disappointments are the last thing that people need.
So, trying to keep your promises, make them realistic, plan some activities, plan some treats. The one we just saw of a bunch of young people having great fun in the water. You know, that's the sort of thing people remember, they remember that they do, and it's in that sort of inner joy.
DAVID CAMPBELL:
Absolutely.
RUTH VINE:
So, I hope everyone gets a few really good days at the beach or days by the river or trips to the swimming pool - the sorts of things that I really enjoy.
DAVID CAMPBELL:
We hope you do too, Dr Vine. Thank you so much for your time this morning, we really do appreciate it.
RUTH VINE:
Thank you very much and a very good Christmas to you all.
BELINDA RUSSELL:
Yeah, same to you. Some great advice. And if you or someone you know is struggling to cope you with contact Lifeline on 13-11-14.
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