With Fall comes further demand for mental health support: psychologist
Posted September 4, 2023 11:07 pm.
As people in Vancouver return to school, typical routines, and cooler weather, a local psychologist says the demand for mental health support is clear.
Paul Peel with Coastal Psychological & Consulting Services says — whether it’s the increase in traffic, concerns about fall colds, or the busy start to the school year — it’s essential to remember to take a breath, check in with loved ones, and even go for a walk to clear your mind.
“Whenever there’s any kind of a change, changes are always stressors,” he said. “We have to remember to breathe through these situations … that is one of the simplest strategies we can use to help us cope.”
“Taking a deep breath, slowing down, taking our time, even standing up and going for a little walk. All of those things are really important ways of dealing with these stressors that we’re going to be facing.”
Peel says the demand for Consulting Services is at the point where he cannot accept any more clients, and notes there’s a shortage of mental health workers.
“I’m not taking any new clients on at all I haven’t been for several years now, and my phone keeps ringing you know, people always looking for professionals they can work with,” he said.
“Now people’s needs might go up certainly in the fall … one of the things about our school systems and university systems, they have really competent counsellors that are working as part of the services offered by the schools.”
Related article:
On Tuesday, B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside is scheduled to discuss expanding mental health supports for young people across the province.
