COVID-19 has undoubtedly put a strain on people’s mental health, but according to an Orange psychologist, another significant shift in the way people talk about mental health has seen a huge change over the pandemic.

Clinical psychologist Peter Warren, organiser of the upcoming Coming out of Covid: You and Your Mental Health seminar, said more people are reaching out for help than ever before.

“The evidence is clear that calls to ‘Beyond Blue’ kids' helplines saw a big increase of people reaching out – a lot more than in the past,” Mr Warren said.

“It’s a sign that people have the sense they can find people who can help them. That’s been good.

“Some of the media that’s come through about how to manage things, exercise, connect with people, has been really helpful.”

Coming out of Covid will bring together the community for a night where professionals such as Mr Warren, a local GP and a local carer, will shine a spotlight on the issue of mental health and the impact of the pandemic on the community.

“(The event is designed) to help people,” Mr Warren said.

“We’re going to be looking at some of the research that’s recently been done. We’ll be looking at the increasing psychological distress among young people, financial insecurity, and the impact on other groups like health workers and across the general community, and how the pandemic impacted the whole mood of the general community.”

Another facet of the pandemic’s impact on people’s habits Mr Warren noted was an increase in reported psychological distress in young people, including rates of depression and anxiety.

“There’s a group of young people who stayed connected (over the pandemic), but there’s also a significant group who became less-connected and withdrew,” Mr Warren said.

“The pandemic threatened our very sense of social cohesion and connection.”

As well as providing attendees with the tools to manage their own mental health, information and tips will be given to those who want to help others.

“Reaching out to people, recognising that when people are depressed or withdrawn, they may not be easy to be with and will want to back away but, sometimes, people need to reach out and make the effort,” Mr Warren said.

“It may not be an easy conversation, but having the presence there, showing care and concern, shows they are not alone.

“We’re encouraging people to make that phone call. There’s no shame in asking for help...it’s an issue for everyone, and experience experiences some level of stress.

“One of the things we’ll talk about, is the ‘whole person’ approach to mental health...it’s body, how we feel about the world, even a spiritual element about one’s purpose, meaning and how to deal with these things.

“We’re resilient – there’s a concept called ‘Post Traumatic Growth’ where some people, rather than being depleted after trauma, come through stronger.”

Coming out of Covid: You and Your Mental Health will be held at Orange Presbyterian Church (corner of Anson St and Matthews Ave) on Thursday, March 31 from 7pm.