A 2021 survey led by Mission Australia and Orygen on Australian youths has found around half, or 50 percent of those surveyed, found their mental health was affected by the pandemic, with high lockdown states such as New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria having the highest reports of adverse mental health.
Victorian youths, who experienced the most days in lockdowns in the world after the state Labor government implemented lockdowns six times, reported the highest levels of mental health problems, with 69 percent of surveyed participants reporting negative mental health. While NSW, the state in Australia that experienced the second-longest period under lockdown, came second with 54 percent of surveyed participants reporting negative mental health.
The survey also found that lockdown states had the highest reports of negative impacts across all lifestyle domains, with “70 percent of young people in Victoria and 57 percent of young people in NSW” reporting negative effects on their daily lives.
The report also warned of long-term impacts for young people in Victoria and NSW who may have lost the opportunity to meet “developmental milestones,” such as a first job, moving out of home or first romantic relationship.
“Remote learning was devastating for the education and the emotional wellbeing of our kids. This report today reaffirms what we already know—that our kids are suffering, and they still need dedicated support now, more than ever.”
The study’s findings come as the Victorian government announced it would be cutting $60 million (US$42.7 million) from mental health programs that were implemented during the pandemic believing that they were “no longer required.” However, the Opposition proposes the necessity of implementing “4000 counsellors and provisional psychologists for the mental health workforce.”
The criticism from the Victorian Liberals comes as state elections loom, with the election expected to take place on Nov. 26.
