For the first time, Centacare in Tamworth are seeing 100 per cent of their clients show up to their appointments.
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Their counsellors have been "working their butts off" to make sure everyone who needs help gets it. They are seeing the real-time impacts the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Tamworth's mental health, and it's concerning.
Centacare's Josie Hoffman has said people presenting with suicidal ideations has dramatically increased across the board.
"People are in significant need during this period," she explained.
"The coronavirus has created more anxiety, more uncertainty, and feelings of stress in their lives. Many have valued coming in and getting their counselling treatment and support."
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Some of Tamworth's Flourish services have gone online, but Australian senior cluster manager Jim Booth said they too have managed to keep up with face-to-face services.
"We are finding people are responding to this changed world despite the many challenges they may have," he said.
Maintaining that connection with their current clients, he said overall they are "coping with it thus far".
"We are not at the stage where we are starting to look back to transition, and the future world will not the same as it was before."
With a high number of referrals coming through, Centacare is seeing pre-existing issues exacerbated.
"It's pretty full on," Ms Hofman said.
"Young people who are now home-schooled are feeling quite stressed, struggling to complete their HSC.
"Single parents struggling to balance being an essential worker and managing kids in school and engaging with them.
"People who have lost their jobs and struggling with adjustments."
She said many of their elderly clients were "afraid for their lives" and were choosing to take therapy sessions over the phone and through eTherapy.
Regional Australians are encouraged to access mental health and wellbeing services on offer. The Government's digital mental health gateway, Head to Health, is a hub for information, advice, online counselling, treatment and crisis support.
Federal Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton joined with Ms Hoffman and Mr Booth to urge people to reach out.
A SMS service providing counselling to workers has also been extended.
VirtualPsychologist is free for anyone living and working in rural NSW. Just text 0488 807 266.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
