Sky News host Chris Smith says “the greatest curve of fatalities” may not come from the deadly COVID-19 disease but rather “from the isolation, lockdown and lack of economic activity that has followed’.

A report by the Head of the Brain and Mind Centre at Sydney University Professor Ian Hickie predicts suicide rates to rise by up to 50 per cent due to the economic and social hit of this virus.

Mr Smith said the findings suggests "young people in regions which depend on tourism, could be especially vulnerable to suicide".

“We need to get to work on a curve that will dwarf the one we've been fighting all along”.

Image: Getty

If you or anyone you know needs help:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
ReachOut at au.reachout.com
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774