Covid Lockdowns and the Impact on Mental Health

FROM RIVERINE HERALD NEWSPAPER ECHUCA
INTERVIEW WITH PAUL MEDEW, PRINCIPAL THERAPIST AT FULL CIRCLE COUNSELLING 

Echuca Full Circle Counselling therapist Paul Medew said there had been a significant increase in people looking for services, particularly in the past few weeks.

“I think the lockdown has gone on for such a long time that people are starting to feel it in a way they hadn’t before,” he said.

“The lack of clarity around what is going to happen is really affecting a lot of people.”
Mr Medew said he had seen people with increased anxiety and depression, often caused by a lack of feeling in control.

“An environment like this is very unsettling for people and the everyday stresses of lockdown and people being uncertain really increases the tensions in families,” he said.
Mr Medew said he expected the mental health of many in the community to improve now schools had re-opened.

“I’m relieved that schools have gone back, I think that’s going to be helpful for a lot of people,” he said.

“I think this experience has bought to the surface a lot of people’s feelings about their emotional wellbeing and the state of their relationships and families.”

Mr Medew encouraged people who were struggling with their mental health to do normal things, such as reaching out and connecting with people.

“I’d also advise people to avoid saturating themselves with negative social media and news, and look for the normalcy in life,” he said.

“Remain optimistic that there is a path forward and there are supports out there.”

As for difficulties faced for Year 12 students, Medew says:

“Try and re-frame the restrictions as an opportunity to dip your toes into the unsupported world of tertiary life. My guess is that Year 12 students who endured COVID will be far better prepared for life than those who didn’t have it.

“Look at it in a positive way, and don’t forget to exercise to relieve the stress of isolation.”
Full Circle Counselling’s Paul Medew on getting through Year 12 under trying circumstances.

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