COVID most important issue facing Canberrans heading into Christmas, Mission Australia finds

A survey of hundreds of young ACT residents found COVID-19 topped their key concerns in 2021, with more stress insight heading into the festive season.

Mission Australia Director Nada Nasser said Christmas holidays could often be a tricky time for young people, especially if they had a history of mental health concerns.

"For a lot of people it is a difficult time, particularly when there may be some conflict within the family," Ms Nasser said.

"For young people who are in environments where there may be violence or who themselves may be isolated or maybe having some mental health concerns, the festive season can be a time of difficulty."

Ms Nasser said it was no surprise young Canberrans had reported higher levels of personal concern in 2021 and it was really important they didn't suffer in silence.

"Young people really felt the brunt of isolation and the face-to-face interaction connection and socialising that happens at school or university or TAFE," she said.

Young people in the ACT reported a significant increase in their concern of the effects of COVID-19 in 2021 when compared to 2020, following 12 weeks of lockdown.

ACT males reported coping with stress, mental health and physical health as their main concern during April and August this year.

READ MORE:

ACT females reported higher levels of personal concern about almost all issues, with stress, mental health and body image their top issue of personal concern.

More than half of ACT females were extremely or very concerned about body image, with 67 per cent reporting the pandemic had affected their mental health.

The lack of eating disorder support in Canberra has been highlighted as a concern this week, with Murrumbidgee member Marisa Paterson tabling a petition in parliament calling for improved services.

Ms Nasser said without the right supports and policy settings in place there was a real concern the pandemic would have long-term impacts on young people.

"It's about making sure now as we're going back to face-to-face learning and education that additional support is provided to young people through schools," she said.

"Then if we do need to go back into online learning and various restrictions that additional support is provided to those vulnerable young people."

Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: