During these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking care of your mental health may be more important than ever.

To help people through this crisis, many organizations have shifted their counselling services to over-the-phone

CEO of Family Services Regina, Shellie Pociuk says that the disruptions to daily life caused by COVID-19 can have a real impact on a person’s mental health, and it’s important to try and maintain some sense of normalcy.

“I think it’s very important that we try to establish routines and ensure we’re connected,” said Pociuk. “If we’re at home and we’re isolated and we’re not able to have any type of social connection, I think that can really have an impact on people’s mental health.”

Pociuk says that due to the pandemic, more people are seeking counselling and taking advantage of the call-in services.

“We have seen a slight increase, not as much as we had anticipated at this point, but I think that probably within the next couple weeks, we’re anticipating that we’ll see more of a spike,” said Pociuk. “As people sort of settle into this new routine, financial concerns are starting to bubble up, the isolation and being stuck at home. The stresses are starting to build for sure.”

During the course of the pandemic, both the provincial and federal governments have put a focus on mental health, which Pociuk says is a good thing.

“I think the recognition that this is a concern, I think the governments have done a great job in understanding that, and supporting people in mental health services,” said Pociuk. “We’ve seen, definitely, an investment by the governments into mental health services, and a promotion of access to services during this pandemic.”

Call-in counselling is available in 23 communities around the province, and a full list of available services can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus