COVID-19 INQUIRY: ‘Inadequate Emphasis’ on Mental Health During Pandemic, Psychologists Say

The Australian Association of Psychologists Incorporated (AAPi) raised concerns that there had not been enough focus on mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association noted the mental health impact of the pandemic, especially during lockdowns, was “significant” as part of its submission to the Australian Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry. More than 2,000 submissions to the inquiry were published on the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website on March 27. “AAPi were concerned that during the pandemic inadequate emphasis on the need to access mental health support was provided,” the submission said (pdf). The association suggested that during lockdowns, public health messaging should include emphasis on psychological support....