The rising cost of living has overtaken COVID-19 as the chief cause of stress and worry for most Australians, a new survey has found.
The survey, conducted by mental health service Beyond Blue and released on World Mental Health Day, asked 1500 people to identify the main factors affecting their wellbeing.
The findings revealed increasing interest rates, high inflation, worries about the cost of living, war in Ukraine and what the future may hold were now the highest on their list of concerns.
Harmon said seeking support through Beyond Blue’s services, such as its moderated online forums, could offer many benefits.
“We know that longstanding issues with service access, availability and affordability have been exacerbated by the pandemic, meaning finding support for your mental health is particularly challenging at the moment,” she said.
“There are steps you can take to manage your own mental health and wellbeing while you’re on a waitlist or worrying about what to do, and digital supports are a great place to start.”