Lockdown suicide crisis: Calls to Lifeline reach record levels amid huge spike in unemployment, business closures and loneliness
- Victoria has had a 22 per cent increase in calls to Lifeline since July
- Premier Daniel Andrews declared State of Disaster as cases continue to rise
- Lifeline Australia Chairman, John Brogden urged Victorians to call for help
- Canberra has seen a 21 per cent increase in calls to Lifeline in July as well
- NSW Government announced a $6m fund to ensure services continue
Australians are calling Lifeline at an alarming rate during the coronavirus crisis, with a phone call being made to the suicide counselling service every 30 seconds.
The lockdowns have led to mass unemployment and high numbers of business failures, triggering many of the calls to Lifeline, while others have struggled with the isolation of working from home and being unable to visit friends and family.
Victorians have seen a massive 22 per cent increase in calls to Lifeline since July as the state battles a second wave of coronavirus.
Premier Daniel Andrews declared a State of Disaster on Sunday, moving to Stage 4 restrictions to help bring the COVID-19 cases down.
Victorians have seen a massive 22 per cent increase in calls to Lifeline since July, with someone ringing every 30 seconds (stock)
A man wearing a mask walks past the Block Arcade opening on August 04, 2020 in Melbourne
Lifeline Australia Chairman, John Brogden (pictured) urged Victorians to get in touch if they are struggling
Lifeline Australia Chairman, John Brogden urged Victorians to get in touch if they are struggling.
'Australians have already been turning to Lifeline in record numbers since the COVID-19 outbreak began in March,' he said.
'Each month since March we have been receiving almost 90,000 calls, that's a call every 30 seconds.
'So, this 22 per cent spike in Victoria is a significant sign that the new lockdown measures are taking a toll on the mental health of Victorians.'
Mr Brogden said since the COVID-19 restrictions were enforced nationally, calls to Lifeline soared to 39 per cent.
Under the Stage 4 restrictions, Melbourne residents will only be allowed to exercise for an hour a day and can't travel more than 5km from home for shopping or exercise.
Only one person per household can go out for groceries each day, with recreational sports banned altogether.
Metropolitan Melbourne has been under a curfew from 8pm to 5am since Sunday, with some exemptions for those providing care and travelling to and from work.
Anyone caught breaking curfew or outside a 5km radius of their home will be slapped with a $1,652 on-the-spot fine.
Shops will close at midnight on Wednesday to comply with the Stage 4 restrictions (Pictured in Werribee)
The closed Elephant & Wheelbarrow pub is seen on August 04, 2020 in Melbourne
Premier Daniel Andrews declared a State of Disaster on Sunday, moving to Stage 4 restrictions to help bring the COVID-19 cases down
'Our thoughts are with the people of Victoria,' Mr Brogdon continued.
'Lockdown means many of the important opportunities for people to connect with each other and do things they enjoy are being stopped.
'For someone who is already struggling, this can be a huge blow.'
Mr Andrews announced a $2.1million additional funding to Lifeline back in April to ensure the service continues.
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Canberra has also seen a 21 per cent increase in calls to Lifeline - 4,400 in a month, amounting to 900 more than any other month.
Lifeline's Crisis Support director Mandy Larsson said it's a dire situation and more help is needed for Australians.
'It is a sensational number of calls and there are more and more callers in Canberra and across the nation that need support at the moment,' she told ABC.
Lifeline has taken additional steps in hiring more workers who want to help those in need.
'We have started a new recruitment round and we have had an overwhelming response to our need,' she said.
Ms Larsson said employees are working extremely hard to ensure all calls are answered and working longer days.
On June 30, the NSW Government contributed $6m to Lifeline to ensure the services continues throughout COVID-19 (stock)
The ACT Government also helped fund a wellbeing call service where Red Cross Volunteers contact Canberrans daily to check up on them.
On June 30, the NSW Government contributed $6m to Lifeline to ensure the services continues throughout COVID-19.
'This funding comes at a crucial time for Lifeline and the people of NSW,' Mr Brogden said previously.
'It is absolutely essential that we ensure our services have the resources they require to respond effectively to Australians who need us.
'This contribution from the Berejiklian Government will save lives.'
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Lifeline for further comment.
Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days)
Text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight, 7 nights)
Chat online at www.lifeline.org.au (7pm – midnight, 7 nights)
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