Mental health and economic future among biggest concerns in NSW from COVID-19
Australians are most worried about the impact on their mental health by the coronavirus pandemic, fears of a further wave of the virus and the economic recession, according to the latest Sydney Morning Herald and Nine News Ipsos Poll.
Looking ahead to 2021
When asked to think about next year, three in five are worried about the possibility of a further wave of the virus and consequent lockdown period (63%) and the fear of an ongoing economic recession (61%). Half (49%) are concerned at the prospect of not being able to travel interstate or overseas.
Younger people are more worried than older about their employment prospects and the impact on their mental health. Those over 55 are significantly more worried about catching the virus than others.
Personal and mental health impact of the pandemic
45% believe that their mental health has been impacted ‘a great deal’ or ‘fair amount’ by the pandemic and resulting lockdown. This impact on mental health is significantly higher for those living in metro areas (48%) and for younger people (65% among those aged 18-24, and 61% among those aged 25-39).
Ipsos Australia Public Affairs Director, Jess Elgood, said: “Looking to 2021, people in NSW are worried about a further wave of the virus, and the ongoing impact on the economy, but they are also worried about their mental health. Almost half feel their mental health has been impacted, and that is particularly the case among younger people.”
These are the findings of an online survey of a representative sample of 863 adults in NSW, aged 18+, between 21st - 23rd October 2020. ±3.4% is the maximum margin of sampling error that might apply to this sample. The data are weighted to reflect the population distribution.
