The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the social determinants of mental health and wellbeing, both through the effects of lockdown, and extended lockdown in Victoria, as well as through the lasting impacts of sudden disruptions to financial stability, employment, secure housing, relationships and social connections. Even for those who have not previously experienced mental health distress, the pandemic diminishes the known factors that promote optimal social and emotional wellbeing – ongoing experiences of safety, belonging, social and emotional connection with others, and physical health are threatened.

This fact sheet aims to summarise ongoing concerns around the population-level psychological effects of the crisis, and synthesise the key elements of the mental health response.