A federal government minister says while there hasn’t been an increase in suicide rates, calls to Lifeline have soared during the pandemic.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman told Ray Hadley there’s been a 40 per cent increase in calls to Lifeline.

“We’re also seeing more presentations in emergency departments for mental health issues.

“Concerningly a lot of that is amongst young people … so yeah, significant signs of distress.

“Lockdowns aren’t a sustainable way of life for the country.”

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