Episode 7: COVID, lockdowns and mental health

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be upsetting to some listeners, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. It's been a massive elephant in the room ever since March 2020, when much of the world went into varying degrees of lockdown. In the years since, we've learned to hate terms like 'unprecedented' and 'genomic sequencing', as we've collectively tried to brush aside the mental toll of extended lockdowns and lives put on hold. But over three years on, we are still coming to terms with the true mental health impacts of COVID lockdowns. In today's episode, Alix speaks to Gabe Milton, who moved to Melbourne weeks before it plunged into what become one of the longest lockdowns in the world. She is then joined by the Black Dog Institute's Dr Sophie Li, who explains why lockdowns were especially difficult for younger people, and how digital treatments and technology came to the forefront as we remained in our homes. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Follow our host @dralwoolard on Instagram.