OLDS - After Didsbury RCMP reported that officers have seen a recent marked increase in mental health calls related to COVID-19, the Olds detachment is reporting a similar increase.
“We’ve had some increases in our total calls for mental health issues and well-being checks for April and May,” said Staff Sgt. Jim MacDonald, Olds RCMP detachment commander.
“Some of our mental health, well-being check and domestic disturbance calls are certainly attributed to the additional stresses due to the pandemic.
“Physical distancing, job losses, mandated isolations, concerns of infection of self and loved ones, and even the unknown in general, are all factors which can increase anxiety and cause behaviours that might normally be out of character for someone.”
Sundre RCMP Sgt. Jody Achtymichuk said between the beginning of March and end of March the detachment responded to 15 mental health-related calls. That compares with 10 calls in the same period last year.
He could not say whether the calls are COVID-19 related.
Didsbury Staff Sgt. Chad Fournier spoke to Didsbury town councillors on May 12.
“There are a lot of people who are having a tough time coping with the isolation and a lot of people simply don’t have the coping skills to manage the situation,” he said.
Fournier encouraged anyone having mental health issues to seek out help that is available in the district.
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