An increased demand for services has mental health organizations trying to expand programming. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Providing Help

Mental health organizations trying to meet demand for services

Jun 16, 2020 | 3:00 PM

With COVID-19 restrictions easing across Saskatchewan, residents have more access to mental health services.

Because of social distancing protocols, some organizations tried moving appointments online. Chad Ku, Program Director with Catholic Family Services in North Battleford, said they had moved to primarily phone and video sessions and after an initially quiet period, the volume of people reaching out has steadily increased.

“It’s not an overwhelming number of calls, but it is increasing,” he said.

According data released in May by the Canadian Mental Health Association, nearly 50 per cent of Canadians are feeling isolated than ever, with nearly 70 per cent craving meaningful social interaction. Ku said residents who’ve called Catholic Family Services have been also been under greater stress because of unemployment.

“A lot of people are quite anxious about the whole situation,” he said. “It’s important that people be aware and reach out before it’s too late.”

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Jane Zielke de Montbrun, Executive Director for the Battlefords branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, said while there’s more stress for most, it’s also provided an opportunity for self-examination, which may explain why the number of calls didn’t pick up until more recently.

“Maybe the pandemic has given some people a breather and that opportunity to reflect more or change how their days look,” she said.

Now that there’s an increased demand for services, Zielke de Montbrun said they’re trying to reopen programs. Even with some easing of restrictions, the parameters of working with clients has been changed drastically, particularly in trying to keep a connection when you can’t meet face-to-face.

“We’re in the process of trying figure out how we can start delivering social rec programs, as well as wellness, to our members,” she said. “On a smaller scale of course, to respect social distancing.”

Other challenges have been around taking and transferring information and facilitating wellness calls. Zielke de Montbrun said for certain programs they’ve dropped the number of people for groups programs, but increased the number of individuals that a staff member might deal with.

“Sort of decrease the opportunities for each person, but allow each person to participate on a smaller scale.”

Outside of seeking counselling, people are advised to utilize physical activity and mindfulness exercises. The CMHA has also delivered a pamphlet to everyone in the community titled “You’re not alone.”

“That has a lot of tips on how you can support your mental health as you go through this,” Zielke de Montbrun said.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports