Dr Hronis spoke to SBS Greek and stressed that the lockdown have had significant impact on people’s mental health.
“For some people, lockdown has resulted in less drinking and gambling which is great. However, for other people, it has had the opposite effect, and they are drinking ambling, smoking more than they were previously”, Dr Hronis said.
Dr Hronis answered to the following questions:
SBS Greek: How have COVID and the lockdowns impacted our mental health?
Dr. Anastasia Chronis: Lockdown has had a significant impact upon our mental health. We know that people are struggling, mental health services are busier than before. People are experiencing more stress, more loneliness, more anxiety. They are away from loved ones. Many people are experiencing impacts on their work. And overall, it is an unnatural state for us as humans to be kept in our homes and away from family and friends, and from doing the things that we enjoy.
What changes have we seen in people's drinking and gambling as a way to cope with the stress and changes?
For some people, lockdown has resulted in less drinking and gambling which is great. However, for other people, it has had the opposite effect, and they are drinking ambling, smoking more than they were previously. Some recent research found that it was particularly the case that women who had children to care for during lockdown were more vulnerable to drinking more. Men who had lost their jobs or were working less were more vulnerable to drinking more. Particularly, with the younger generations, gambling online has been more prevalent. It is very easily accessible on phones and computers now a day and can be accessed 24/7. Previously, people had to go physically to a casino, club or pub to gamble Now someone can be at work and at the same time gambling on their phone and placing bets. It’s a concern because the picture of gambling now looks very different to what it did some years prior.
What impact does advertising have on people drinking more or gambling more?
It can have a big impact, especially among young people and even children. There is so much advertising for gambling that is intertwined within the sporting culture in Australia. It is rare now a days to watch the footy, without seeing advertising for sports betting. There was research that found that 3 out of 4 children aged 8-16, who watch sports can name at least one betting company. The problem here is that gambling is being normalized to children from a young age. It is made to seem a part of the sporting culture. Also, in terms of advertising, we know that if people purchase alcohol online, or they do some online gambling or betting, that they are likely to continue to see advertisements for these products for weeks later. This makes it is really hard for someone who might be trying to cut down, to keep seeing reminders of the thing that they are trying hard to avoid.
What are some of the signs people should look out for in themselves and others, that they might be developing a problem with gambling or with drinking?
There are a few key signs that people can look out for. If people are drinking or gambling as a way to cope with stress, they might find that they are needing to drink more and gamble for longer or with larger amounts of money to get the desired effect. People might find that their thoughts start to be consumed with drinking or gambling, and that they spend a lot of time thinking about it. They might find that they have tried to cut back or stop themselves but haven’t been successful at doing so. Also, people start to act in ways that are out of character – they might start to lie or hide things from their family and loved ones. Finally, we know something is become a problem when it starts to have an impact on our broader life. Perhaps you are having financial difficulties, you are not as focused at work, or your drinking or gambling is causing issues with your family members.
What are some ways people can look after their mental health during the lockdowns?
- Stay connected with friends and family is really important. It’s unnatural for us to be disconnected from others. Particularly for those who might be living alone. So do be sure to stay in touch with others.
- Get out doors, in the fresh air, go for the walks and the exercise. Exercise is a natural ant depressant. It releases the feel good hormones in the brain, so after a walk, run or some form of exercise you’ll find your mood is probably a bit better.
- Have some routine and structure to your day or week. Even if it is a simple morning routine, or waking up at a regular time. Lack of routine can impact our mood and this current lockdown makes it easy for us to loose routines we may have previously had.
- Look at ways you can get some variety in your life – cooking a new dish, different path on your walk
Where and how can people access help?
There are services available which can help. The first point of contact should be your GP, who can provide you with a referral to a psychologist or an appropriate service. I also want to stress that particular with drinking alcohol, smoking or drugs, it is important to seek medical advice if you are wanting to stop. Stopping these things suddenly can actually be dangerous for out health and shouldn’t be done without consultation and advise from a doctor.
