Mental Health Estrie (MHE) has witnessed a surge in general information and referral phone calls, nearly doubling its activity since the pandemic touched down in Quebec one year ago.
Jennifer Bauer, an intervener and administrative assistant at MHE, told The Record that people whose mental health was already fragile prior to the pandemic have now worsened and those who considered themselves in strong mental health are beginning to suffer.
“I would say that a lot of the challenges that individuals have been facing has a lot to do with isolation; a lot of negative emotions, some fear, fear of the future,” said Bauer. “We’re not quite sure what’s going to happen, so there’s a lot of uncertainty and worry around that.”
One of the main requests she gets from Townshippers is to connect them with psychosocial services or directly to a psychologist. Bauer and MHE Executive Director Tanya Gibson assess their needs before sending them down a new path suitable for their situation.
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Isolation continues to weigh on Quebecers’ mental health
By Michael Boriero - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
