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By Jaryn Vecchio

Seeking Help

Need for counselling rises in P.A. Could it be a positive and negative sign?

Jan 27, 2022 | 3:30 PM

More and more Prince Albert residents are seeking help for their mental health issues, but could it possibly be a good thing.

Jennifer Suchorab, Director of Mental Health and Addictions in the northeast for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), believes it’s a trend that’s not entirely negative.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a 20 per cent increase in counselling appointments in P.A.

However, Suchorab told paNOW she doesn’t believe the virus is the only reason for the rise.

“It certainly is a relationship, but I think it’s also coupled with we’re getting more comfortable.”

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Suchorab said there continues to be a stigma around mental health though more people are starting to open up about their struggles.

She didn’t have any exact statistics, but Suchorab noted there has been a rise in men seeking help.

Meanwhile, depression and anxiety aren’t the only drivers for the increase in demand.

“We’ve seen an increase in substance abuse and this is similar to what’s been presented as experiences across the province.”

In many cases substance abuse becomes a symptom of the two aforementioned illnesses, however, it itself is also a separate disorder.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are people and organizations who can help.

There is the Prince Albert Mental Health Centre which offers treatment and counselling, while there are phone numbers people can call such as 811, 1-306-933–6200 which is the Saskatchewan Crisis Line, and 1-833-456-4566 which is the national suicide prevention line.

Kids can call 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868, or chat online if they need someone to talk to.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow