By Mitchell Clarke
There are growing calls for a “buddy system” to be implemented for people living alone during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Liberal Gembrook MP Brad Battin has called on the State Government to follow a New Zealand initiative which links people living by themselves.
“Many people live alone, are out of work and have no social connection during Stage 4,” Mr Battin said.
“The government has allowed intimate partners to connect, and it is only fair a single person can nominate a buddy to allow into their isolation bubble.”
That idea has been welcomed by an Officer woman who has lived by herself for the past year.
Beth, who didn’t want to use her real name, said the pandemic, in particular Stage 4 restrictions, had been the most difficult time for her.
“Personally, I don’t feel loneliness that often. I was an only child so I’m used to being alone, but this has been different,” she explained.
“It’s a different feeling to when your family or friends go away on holidays for months at a time. There’s nothing that separates us other than being not legally allowed to see each other.”
To make matters worse, Beth’s parents live over 10 kilometres away, so she’s unable to meet them at a halfway point to exercise.
“People with intimate partners can travel 20 to 30 kilometres at a time, and I get that, it provides emotional support. I get a lot of emotional support from my friends and family but I can’t see them,” she said.
“It’d be nice if you could nominate that one person, even if it was just to catch up once or twice a week. Most people are sticking to guidelines and aren’t travelling further than five kilometres or breaching curfew, so I don’t think this would be any different.”
Calls to Beyond Blue’s support services increased by 66 percent in April and 60 percent in May, compared to the same time in 2019.
In June, calls were up by 47 percent while in July, as Stage 3 restrictions were reintroduced, calls again doubled when compared to the same time last year.
Lakeside Psychology clinical psychologist Michael Tomek said providing exemptions was tricky, but a compassionate approach was needed.
“The levels of loneliness and isolation in this crisis are just extraordinary. The mental health impact from this pandemic is just so concerning,” he said.
“A lot of these people have always lived on their own or have been single, but their coping around this time has really been tested, causing an increased strain on their mental health.”
Mr Tomek said catching up with friends over the phone or through video platforms wasn’t the same as physical contact.
“It’s not quite the same as seeing someone in person, which gives rise to oxytocin and that can boost well-being,” he explained.
“There really is a need for our vulnerable people and it may fall under a medical exemption, so I would say to people who are struggling to speak to their doctor or support service and get some of exception or documentation.
“We can’t risk worsening mental health, so there needs to be some flexibility and my understanding is that police are doing a great job and have been quite compassionate about this.”
Labor Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said it was vital to limit physical interaction to slow the spread of the virus.
“These are such challenging times and I want to acknowledge just how difficult it is for people’s general mental health and wellbeing, in particular for those already experiencing mental health conditions,” Ms Crugnale said.
“Whilst many have found new ways of connecting, whether through video calls with family or friends, discovering new hobbies or classes online, or going for a walk with someone who lives nearby, I totally recognise people who live on their own may not have the connection formats on hand, or the social and family networks.”
Beyond Blue’s free Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service is available 24/7 by calling 1800 512 348.
For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
