Pandemic heightening the awareness of social and mental health impact among Millennials

New research by ahm health insurance has found more than half of all Millennials are feeling daunted about going to a party as they reflect on their life during COVID-19.

The ahm mindset survey of more than a thousand Australians found that despite COVID-19 restrictions banning parties, Millennial women (60%) were more likely to feel nervous about attending then men (47%).

Millennials in Queensland were the most likely to say they felt daunted about going to a party (57%), followed by NSW/ACT (56%), Western Australia (55%), South Australia (49%) and Victoria (47%).

Psychologist, and Head of Clinical Quality and Innovation, Jason Vella said given the changing social landscape and restrictions that have been imposed on Australians since the onset of COVID-19, it’s understandable that some Millennials might feel hesitant about attending a social event.

“We’ve had to change the way we express affection to family and friends, so a simple party may present a challenge to how we behave around each other. It may also make some people feel they could be putting themselves at risk of COVID-19 infection.”

“I’d encourage Australians to have a think about what their new normal will be with regard to socialising. Make the most of the opportunities that allow you to socialise according to your personal comfort level and I urge all Australians to not wait until you are at crisis point to consider seeing a mental health professional.

The research also found that 63% of Millennials who said they were not feeling 100% mentally strong right now, haven’t been to see a healthcare professional.

Millennials said that some of their reasons for not seeing a healthcare professional were that they were scared and anxious about it, they were too busy, or that they were working on it themselves.

63% of those millennials say cost was an additional barrier to them seeing a professional about their mental health.

ahm Senior Executive Rob Deeming said it’s been a difficult year, and that makes its particularly important to check-in on your mental health.

“This month is Mental Health Month, and ahm is encouraging all Australians to reach out for mental health support, sooner rather than later,” Mr Deeming said.

“ahm has a range of options to support our customers including access to a 24/7 Mental Health Phone Support (1800 644 325), telehealth-based psychology services and now the addition of counselling on eligible extras cover.

“The addition of counselling to ahm’s extras cover makes it’s simpler and more affordable for customers to access the care they need when they need it.”