It's a natural, human response to fear disease. Yet we've seen this fear heightened with the outbreak of COVID-19. After all, the disease has reached into virtually all corners of life: public health, security, jobs, businesses, our culture and communities. It's an uncertain time. People are anxious. So, how do we communicate and channel our anxiety to respond productively?We're taking a look at mental health in Australia and how it's being impacted on by COVID-19. We speak with Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of the Brain and Mind Centre and a leading health expert. WHAT WE COVER – The drivers of good mental health: personal autonomy and social connection – How we can give people the information and agency to take productive actions– The conversations we should be having to enable and empower communities– Mental health in the face of an economic crisis– The importance of social cohesion: while we're physically isolated, the more we're connected socially and emotionally, it will have profound impacts on mental health Access the transcript: https://bit.ly/2WzaPxRFor more info, head to the Sydney Ideas website: sydney.edu.au/sydney-ideas.