Mental health and well‐being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia during COVID‐19

Abstract

In May 2020, an independent working party was convened to determine the mental health and well-being needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, in response to COVID-19. Thirty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and allies worked together in a two-month virtual collaboration process. Here, we provide the working party's five key recommendations and highlight the evidence supporting these proposals. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and governance must be prioritised to manage the COVID-19 recovery in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Basil Hetzel Oration: The COVID‐19, racism, mental health and smoking crises

“…The potential impacts of COVID‐19 on our mental health and wellbeing were recognised early in the pandemic, including among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 11 , 12 Expanded mental health funding and services are vitally important and welcomed. But, in many cases, it may take time to make newly established programs accessible, especially given dire workforce and supply challenges.…”

“…But, in many cases, it may take time to make newly established programs accessible, especially given dire workforce and supply challenges. 11 …”

“…Further, the impact of the pandemic on mental health appears to have disproportionately affected a number of priority population groups: young people; women; those in COVID‐19‐related work; people living with a disability or existing mental health challenges; and those with low incomes, experiencing job loss or living in poor‐quality housing conditions. 11 There are clear indicators of a worsening mental health crisis, including for our children. Our children's lives have undergone rapid, major upheavals as a result of the pandemic.…”

“…The impacts that COVID‐19 will have on their mental, social, emotional and physical health and wellbeing are yet to be fully realised, but we can see them unfolding before our eyes. 2 , 11 …”

“…Health and wellbeing supports are critically important, but so are economic and financial supports. 11 Many programs and supports remain limited, with barriers that make it difficult or impossible to access them. Economic and financial supports introduced during the recent lockdowns do not have many of the important features that made the 2020 schemes accessible and successful, boosting the economy, easing some personal everyday stresses and supporting people's mental health and wellbeing.…”