Addictions and Mental Health Services Hastings-Prince Edward launched a pandemic helpline in March and has announced it will now be available seven days a week.
Associate Director of Communications of AMHS Barinder Gill says the helpline is open to anyone who wants someone to talk to about how the pandemic is affecting them. “It’s about being able to provide our services remotely, but being able to reach out to just about anybody and everybody in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties,” he explains.
The helpline is open from 9 AM until 6 PM from Monday to Friday, including statutory holidays.
“Humans are social beings by nature,” Gill says. He adds that’s why it’s important to speak about how you’re feeling and not keep it inside you, especially since we’re self-isolating and not getting out as much as we did before the pandemic began. “It’s completely natural to feel anxiety, stress, feeling like you’ve lost control,” he adds. “This is why it’s important to reach out for support and practice coping strategies.”
The number for the helpline is 613-967-4737.