Jennifer Bauer, an intervener and administrative assistant at Mental Health Estrie, witnessed a surge in phone calls at the beginning of the pandemic, however, demand for the organization’s services has plateaued in the past few months.
There was a spike nearly two years ago because people were struggling to adjust to a new reality brought on by the rapid spread of COVID-19. According to Bauer, what the organization is seeing these days, though, is a mix of winter blues and endless pandemic protocols.
“I think some of the things that we’re seeing is isolation, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and perhaps lately, a little bit more sensitive and being discouraged. It has been a long time since we’ve been in this kind of routine,” said Bauer.
She also noticed that the conversation around mental health has evolved throughout the pandemic, as people took to social media to open up about their struggles to adapt to dramatic changes to normal social interactions and for many, a life of solitude.
However, mental health remains a sensitive topic for a lot of people, Bauer explained, which is why she believes in the power of Bell Let’s Talk Day. The conversation needs to go beyond just that one day, she continued, but it’s a great way to spark a necessary discourse.
Mental health discussion expanded during pandemic
By Michael Boriero - Local Journalism Initiative
