Tamworth COVID-19: mental health survey to reflect on impacts of lockdown, Dr Ian Kamerman shares his concerns

Now, the NSW Mental Health Commission wants to know exactly how the long, bumpy and difficult road to freedom has impacted the wellbeing of people in Tamworth, with an online survey.

You don't have to look hard to see the stress and anxiety that separation has caused, local GP Dr Ian Kamerman deals with it in his consultation room everyday.

"The lockdowns, inability to travel, see friends and family and even do the basics like going to particular shops has had a big impact on people in a number of ways," he said.

"We've seen an increase in depression, anxiety, all the things you would normally expect with stress - it has had an effect on people, that inability to have control over your own life."

The survey findings will help the Commission identify strategies to support mental health as the state moves towards post-pandemic life.

Commissioner Catherine Lourey said she wants to hear the full gamut of experiences.

"People with a lived experience of mental health issues, and those who care for them, may be feeling particularly vulnerable or isolated as we deal with 'pandemic fatigue' from the ongoing upheaval to our lives," she said.

"We want to hear from people about their experiences first-hand, not only about the health and social implications of the 2021 restrictions on health and wellbeing, but also how they've managed their own and each other's wellbeing."

As more regional hotspots emerge and Tamworth case counts rise, Dr Kamerman said the outbreak is taking its toll on people who are worried about catching COVID.

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Cancers that should have been found 12 to 18 months earlier have gone undiagnosed as the public put off their healthcare needs.

And as lockdowns lift and the virus is given license to run rampant, it's medical professionals who will pay the ultimate price.

"It is stressful for those in the health profession, not knowing if today is the day you will be exposed and bring COVID home to your family," he said.

"Those concerns have been going on for more than a year and a lot of medical professionals are experiencing burnout as well."

The survey is the second the Commission has run on the mental health lessons from COVID-19, and builds on the findings that showed people experienced both positive and negative outcomes in 2020.

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