COVID-19 and mental health: Q&A with Dr Lexine Stapinski

Dr Lexine Stapinski is a Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use. Her research focusses on understanding how alcohol and substance use disorders develop, and how we can intervene early on to reduce their impact and prevent escalation.

Lexine is chief investigator of a number or online resource portals and programs for young people, including

• Inroads: Early Intervention for Anxiety and Alcohol Use
• Positive Choices
• Strong and Deadly Futures

If you are concerned about an adolescent, you can talk through your specific concerns by calling Parentline (free) on 1300 1300 52. They can provide specific advice and referral if needed. The adolescent could also speak directly with kidshelpline 1800 551 800, Headpace (chat) or lifeline in a crisis situation: 13 11 14. 

There are also recommend a number of online wellbeing programs available for adolescents. The following programs were developed for young people and are free:

• BRAVE-Online helps young people overcome anxiety
  
• TeenSTRONG helps teens struggling with worry and sadness (requires referral from a GP or psychologist)
  
• The MindSpot Mood Mechanic Course helps young adults aged 18-25 year olds learn to manage mild, moderate, or severe symptoms of depression and anxiety.  

There is certainly reason to be concerned about the potential mental health impacts for young people. We need to make sure they have support and resources to equip them with coping skills to weather this challenging time. There are two key advantages we can capitalise on:

1. Young people are good at learning and taking on board new skills and strategies, and empowering them now with these skills provides a good foundation for managing future challenges.
2. Young people are well-suited to an environment where treatment or early intervention is optimally delivered via internet or phone in order to reduce physical contact, in fact there is evidence that internet delivery is preferred by young people. The Matilda Centre has collated a list of onlline resources and programs for young people.

White Ribbon Australia has a list of local support services.

1800RESPECT is a toll-free 24 hour hotline: 1800 737 732, online chat also available.

There is also a dedicated Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence hotline: 1800 019 123