MP Peter Schiefke encourages the citizens of Vaudreuil-Soulanges to inquire about the mental health support programs available to them, at little cost or no cost, by telephone as well as online, and to use them as needed.
MP for Vaudreuil-Soulanges County, Peter Schiefke encourages citizens struggling with mental health difficulties to seek the necessary help. (Photo library)
The health measures imposed by the Government of Quebec as part of the fight against COVID-19, combined with the mental health problems that arise each year after the holidays, during the coldest winter months, mean that many people struggle with high levels of anxiety, stress and depression.
As MP Schiefke pointed out in a mail-out sent to all households in Vaudreuil-Soulanges at the beginning of January, there are many resources available at the federal, provincial and community levels accessible to people of all ages who are experiencing psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, struggling with substance abuse or simply feel they need to talk to someone.
These services include :
- Wellness Together Canada: Funded by the Government of Canada, this service offers support for substance abuse, grief and loss, psychological support for youth, anxiety and stress. Learn more at wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA
- Le Versant: Support network for people with anxiety disorders – Email address: Info@leversant.org and website: www.leversant.org/en
- L’accueil psychosocial du CLSC de Vaudreuil: It is important to note that you need a referral for general social and psychological counselling services. Website: www.santemonteregie.qc.ca/en/services/psychosocial-services
- Le Tournant: Crisis and suicide prevention hotline. 24/7 Intervention hotline: 450 371-4090, toll-free: 1 833 371-4090 and website: www.letournant.org/en/
- Tel-Jeunes: A free and confidential service for all young people aged 20 and under. Website for live chat and information: www.teljeunes.com/Home, text line: 514 600-1002, toll-free line: 1 800 263-2266 and line for parents: 1 800 361-5058.
- Suicide.ca: A support service for people who are thinking about suicide, who are worried about a loved one or who are grieving a loss by suicide. Toll-free line: 1 866 277-3553, toll-free text: 1 855 957-5353 and live chat with a counsellor: suicide.ca/en.
“This pandemic is not only wreaking physical havoc, but it has also had a significant impact on mental health. Elderly people, parents, teenagers, children, business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, in short everyone had to deal with an incredibly difficult and exhausting situation”, emphasizes Peter Schiefke.
“These are not normal times, and just because someone hasn’t picked up the phone to ask for help in the past doesn’t mean they shouldn’t now. I encourage everyone who lives in Vaudreuil-Soulanges to do so, not only for themselves, but also for their loved ones”, says the MP for Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
