STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Photo from the Government of Alberta
By EverythingGP Staff
Mental Health

Hinshaw reminds Albertans not to neglect mental health amid pandemic

Feb 10, 2021 | 5:54 PM

Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the pandemic has made countless aspects of the lives of Albertans more difficult than before, and she took time during her update on COVID-19 Wednesday to remind all Albertans to take care of their mental health.

“Every Albertan has been impacted in different ways. It’s not surprising that the past year has taken a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of many of us across the province, across the country and around the world,” she said.

Now in the 11th month of COVID-19’s presence in the province, and along with it the public health restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus, Hinshaw said that in many ways Albertans have each gotten used to parts of the “new normal”, such as frequent hand washing and wearing masks.

“But that doesn’t mean these things don’t continue to impact our mental wellbeing,” said Hinshaw.

“Isolation, staying distanced from one another, financial hardships, remote learning, teleworking, keeping up with new information and coping with sickness and death impacts all of us.”

The chief medical officer pointed to a survey undertaken by the Health Quality Council of Alberta this past fall, which took a look at Albertans’ experience during the pandemic.

Hinshaw admits the results were unsurprising.

“Seventy per cent of Alberta respondents reported feeling stressed out. Forty-six per cent expressed loneliness, and more than half felt that their mental health had gotten worse.”

While COVID-19’s impact is far more visible, Hinshaw said mental health can sometimes suffer in silence, and it’s important to look after your own health and wellbeing.

“Try not to avoid or suppress anxious thoughts. Instead, be aware of your anxiety and acknowledge when you’re feeling anxious about a situation. Then use a strategy that works for you to address that feeling, whether it be exercise, talking to a friend or your doctor, or making sure you’re getting enough sleep.”

She added don’t wait to reach out if you feel like you need help, whether it be for mental health, addiction or other matters.

Links to mental health and addictions support resources can be found on the Alberta Health Services website.

(With files from Chris Brown, CHAT News)

by EverythingGP Staff