Saskatchewan’s front line emergency workers and public safety personnel have had access to free mental health support for over a year now through a partnership between the University of Regina and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety.
Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, Principal Investigator with PSPNET, believes this online tool is having an impact on emergency workers across Saskatchewan, and more recently it also became available in Quebec.
It was launched just prior to COVID-19 becoming a reality in Canada.
She explains that it is free and available 24 hours a day on the PSPNET website, and it includes optional email or phone support from a therapist.
Dr. Hadjistavropoulos states that mental health challenges among PSP are common and often under-treated, but some believe there is still stigma attached to asking for help.
The Principal Investigator stresses that this support is completely confidential.
She cites that nearly 90 per cent of those who took the online wellbeing course of treatment reported increased confidence and ability to manage their symptoms and the same percentage said their symptoms of anxiety and depression were reduced and maintained at non-clinical levels.
The long term goal is to bring access to PSPNET across the country.
This is a pilot project supported through a $10-million investment by Public Safety Canada as part of the government’s action plan on Post Traumatic Stress Injuries.
(CJWW)