A surf club identity on the Gold Coast has spoken publicly about his battle with "pandemic fatigue" in a bid to help others who are suffering in silence.
Coolangatta Surf Club general manager Steve Edgar said a "simmering level of anxiety" caused by recent lockdowns had taken its toll on his mental health.
Mr Edgar decided to post about his struggles on social media, and described how he had "swallowed his fear" and reached out to a GP for a mental health care plan.
He said the surf club's income had dropped by 80 per cent, causing ongoing uncertainty for his 70 staff.
"They've got mouths to feed like I do — it's tough," Mr Edgar said.
"That just affects you, it really does. Our business is very, very hampered by a lack of tourists.
"There's a simmering level of anxiety below the surface, you're not sure what's going to happen at any given time."
Half of all patients affected
The Australian Medical Association Queensland's Council of General Practice chair, Maria Boulton, said there had been a "staggering" increase in mental health presentations over the past year.
Dr Boulton said people were under financial stress, they had lost control over their day-to-day lives and they were worried about their families.
"It's terrible … there are so many people suffering.
"Normally people might go to the gym to exercise or they might go and see their friends [but] during a lockdown, all those coping mechanisms go. It's a very tricky time."
HMS Medical Group managing director Heather McLellan-Johnson described the demand for mental health services as "unprecedented" and "overwhelming".
She said she had employed an extra psychologist in her Gold Coast general practice and was trying to recruit more because of the "massive" waiting list.
"We have another psychologist onboarding in the next two weeks," she said.
"If I could get probably three more psychologists in our rooms, we would have work for them — and we already have five.
Ms McLellan-Johnson said she was mindful of the mental health burden on her own staff too.
"It's a very, very difficult time in general practice."
Two-year waiting list
The AMA said the current waiting time to see a psychologist in some parts of south-east Queensland was six to nine months, while in regional areas it was as long as two years.
Dr Boulton said crisis talks had been held with the College of Psychiatrists and local psychologists to find solutions.
"We have been approaching the government to ask them to please do something about it, because it's affecting so many people."
Dr Boulton strongly encouraged people to make an appointment with their GP is they were feeling overwhelmed.
"If you're worried or struggling or irritated or angry or not enjoying yourself, please, please, please go see your GP."
Steve Edgar is very thankful that he did, for his own sake and for the welfare of others.
"It is resonating with people and I'm really pleased that I've been able to make a positive impact," he said.
