The ABS has tallied up what has been stressing us out in the last month – and unsurprisingly, loneliness tops the list.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, Michelle Marquardt, said women were more impacted then men, with 28% of women reporting feeling lonely, compared with 16% of men:

Around one in five people (19%) also reported that they were experiencing difficulties maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which was more of a problem for those aged 18 to 64 years (22%) than those aged 65 years and over (9%).

The survey also highlighted changes to people’s lifestyles during the period early-April to early-May, including:

  • 22 % who said they are eating more snack foods such as chips, lollies and biscuits.
  • 14% who said they are consuming more alcohol, and 10 per cent who said they are consuming less.
  • 58% who reported spending more time in front of their television, computer, phone or other device.
  • 29% who reported less frequent consumption of takeaway or delivered meals, while 38% spent more time cooking or baking.

If you would like to talk to someone about your mental health, you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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