The third year of COVID-19 continues to present us with a challenging set of circumstances, many of which are unique to each person. Many people in our communities have now either had COVID-19 themselves, know someone who has had COVID-19, or has had to isolate due to being a close contact. Some continue to deal with lasting effects of COVID-19, such as grief from losing a loved one, post-traumatic stress from ICU or hospital admission, long-COVID symptoms, and the worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions.
For many, the financial, social, and mental impact of extended lockdowns is still being felt as communities adjust to eased restrictions. Across Australia, those with underlying health conditions that leave them vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 are navigating difficult decisions in ensuring their own safety as the baseline levels of infection in the community rise. While our circumstances may look different, what many of us have in common is the ongoing uncertainty in the face of prolonged stress and upheaval due the COVID-19 pandemic.