CENTRAL West residents are being reminded to keep looking for positives wherever they can as they reach the end of their third week in lockdown.
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The lockdown has been difficult for the people of regional NSW, with it unclear when many communities will be able to be released from the strict stay-at-home orders.
CEO Stephanie Robinson said Lifeline Central West has been fielding more calls than usual throughout the month of August.
"We added up our August calls and we as a centre took nearly 6000 calls in the month, which is just incredible," she said.
"When I first started at Lifeline Central West, we were lucky to take 1000 calls a month."
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Many of the callers have been described as experiencing "COVID fatigue" and struggling with the fear and uncertainty that comes with the pandemic.
"There certainly is a lot of COVID fatigue and people struggling," Ms Robinson said.
"Anxiety is one of the biggest things that we are seeing, not so much generalised anxiety, but anxiety around particular struggles people are having. Their resources are really being depleted and, whether that's their own ability to cope or financial resources, there is certainly fatigue.
"I think we have to just keep reminding people to look for the positives and things like talking about spring and the weather, making sure they are getting out and doing that exercise they are permitted to do, and maintaining that social connection.
"... There will be light at the end of the tunnel, and we learn to adapt and it's not all bad if we choose to look harder for the good and positive things happening."
Sadly, a higher percentage of people contacting Lifeline have been talking about suicide.
Ms Robinson said that, while it is troubling that people are having those thoughts, it was good they have reached out for support.
People can call 13 11 14 to speak to a crisis supporter over the phone.
"I think what I love about the service is it's everyday people supporting everyday people in times of crisis and distress, and it just makes such a big difference for people having someone who listens, understands and cares for their wellbeing," Ms Robinson said.
If people aren't comfortable speaking over the phone, there are also text and online chat services available during the hours of 12pm to 2am.
To get support via text, send a message to 0477 13 11 14.
For the online chat service, visit Lifeline's website.
In both instances, people will be communicating with trained Lifeline crisis supporters.
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