Never Not Creative, UnLtd and Everymind have launched a follow-up survey to the Mentally Healthy 2020 study to identify how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health and wellbeing of the media, marketing and creative industry in Australia.
The short five minute pulse study follows the Mentally Healthy 2020 survey conducted earlier in the year and will compare the stress, depression and anxiety levels before and during the COVID-19 restrictions.
Nina Nyman, UnLtd chief marketing officer and co-chair of Mentally Healthy Change Group, says the COVID-19 restrictions have had a major impact on the mental wellbeing of people across the industry.
“From the conversations I’ve had with people across the industry, I’m yet to speak to anyone who isn’t impacted in some way," Nyman says.
"Ironically, the Mentally Healthy 2020 survey closed on March 13, a few days before most of the COVID-19 restrictions really kicked in across Australia.
"A lot has changed since and I think it’s safe to assume that some of the findings will look different now. What’s good about this is that we now have a comparison point with a more ‘normal’ time that allows us to measure change.”
The Mentally Healthy COVID-19 survey will look at the key stressors and how the DASS score (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) has shifted during this time.
“As we are working through the data and key findings of the bigger survey, we want to see if and how some of the key indicators have changed following the pandemic," says Andy Wright, MD of Streatime and co-chair of Mentally Healthy Change Group.
"This pulse study gives us a chance to see what impact the COVID-19 situation has had on some of the main mental health concerns of our industry and which areas we need to focus on as an industry to best support our people.”
The research is being conducted in partnership with mental health research institution Everymind to inform the development of programs specific to industry needs.
“We’re looking forward to learning more about the specific needs of those working in the media, marketing and creative industries during this challenging period,” Everymind acting program manager, mental health and research Dr Sally Fitzpatrick says.
The Mentally Healthy COVID-19 survey is open from April 29 until May 8 with results to be revealed later in May.
The survey takes five to eight minutes to complete and all responses will be anonymous, strictly confidential and only personally de-identified data will be reported.
Anyone who is currently working or has worked in the media, marketing or creative industry in the last 12 months is encouraged to take the survey here.
If you or someone you care about needs support, please contact:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
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