Mental health and suicide prevention hotline Lifeline Australia has “smashed” its previous record for the highest volume of calls ever on Aug. 20. The data comes as mental health concerns continue to emerge as Australians react to prolonged lockdowns. Lifeline Australia revealed that it received 3,505 calls in a 24-hour period, surpassing the previous record of 3,436 calls on Aug. 16. John Brogden, chair of the organisation, said August had been one of the busiest periods in the history’s organisation. In 2019, Life Australia was averaging under 2,500 calls per day. However, average demand has increased 20 percent since then, with peak periods seeing a 40 percent increase. “The good news is that people who need support are reaching out, and they’re getting it,” he said in a statement. “It’s been a difficult few years for everyone in the community, but this also means that Australians know help is there …