Cost of living pressures now the biggest source of worry, survey shows

The rising cost of living has overtaken COVID-19 as the chief cause of stress and worry for most Australians, a new survey has found.

The survey, conducted by mental health service Beyond Blue and released on World Mental Health Day, asked 1500 people to identify the main factors affecting their wellbeing.

The findings revealed increasing interest rates, high inflation, worries about the cost of living, war in Ukraine and what the future may hold were now the highest on their list of concerns.

Retailers want to hire 13-year-olds to fill a labour shortage. — Inflation is causing financial stress to families. (James Alcock)

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the results were consistent with ongoing conversations seen on Beyond Blue’s online peer support forums.

This time last year, people were still seeking advice about the impact of the pandemic, however, now more discussions were centred on family, relationship stress and anxiety, she said.

Close to half, 48 per cent, of those surveyed said they felt lost when it came to their mental health and wellbeing. Almost as many, 46 per cent, felt their problems did not warrant seeking support.

Harmon said seeking support through Beyond Blue’s services, such as its moderated online forums, could offer many benefits.

“We know that longstanding issues with service access, availability and affordability have been exacerbated by the pandemic, meaning finding support for your mental health is particularly challenging at the moment,” she said.

“There are steps you can take to manage your own mental health and wellbeing while you’re on a waitlist or worrying about what to do, and digital supports are a great place to start.”