Local organization talks mental health

“It’s more than just one day of initiating that conversation,” he said.

Among the supports available for staff at Parkland are a family assistance plan and peer support.

While most are aware of the stresses faced by paramedics who are on the frontlines, those in the communications centre also have tough jobs to do.

“We often take for granted what they feel like when they’re teaching someone to do CPR on maybe a loved one or think about a small child or a baby,” Karasiuk said.

He added those working on the communications side can spend up to 30 minutes on the phone with someone given the rural nature of the province. He said communications staff members also don’t have the same experience with patients as medics.

“They don’t have any closure; they don’t know what’s happened to that patient when the paramedics walk in,” he said.

Looking to the future, Karasiuk said he hopes to see people at the organization continue to sit down and talk to each other about mental health. Karasiuk, who is also psychological first aid instructor trainer with Canadian Red Cross, added building overall resiliency is also an important part of mental health. He explained resiliency is not just simply ‘bouncing back.’

“It’s taking what I’ve learned, adapting some new skills, and then learning how to deal with those bad events and then building a new tomorrow,” he said.

Recognizing mental illness and seeking resources

Terry Brakstad, interim manager for mental health and addictions in the Kelsey Trail south region for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said many should learn the difference between mental health and mental illness.

“Not everyone will experience mental illness,” Brakstad told northeastNOW. “But everyone will struggle with mental health.”

When it comes to recognizing someone with a mental illness, it’s tougher than recognizing a physical illness like a cold or flu, Brakstad said.

“For most people, it is somewhat easier to hide the fact that you may be struggling mentally,” he said. “Because it’s not as visible or as noticable by someone on the outside. That’s why initiatives such as Bell Let’s Talk are so important.”

He said simply talking can help determine if someone is struggling with a mental illness. Recognizing out of character attitudes, or comments can help determine that as well.

Brakstand also said caring for our mental health is largely dependant on keeping our brain healthy. Exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, hydration, and other healthy habits help cope with problems when they arise.

Again, he said talking is a big part.

“It needs to be verbalized,” Brakstad said. “The more comfortable people are talking about their mental health, the less people have to struggle.”

In the northeast Saskatchewan region, there are numerous resources to help with mental health. There are professionals in all regions.

Melfort, Hudson Bay, and Porcupine Plain: 306-752-8767

Tisdale: 306-873-3760

Nipawin: 306-862-9822

For Bell Let’s Talk day, every tweet sent using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, Bell donates five cents to mental health initiatives in Canada.

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With files from Mat Barrett

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jbbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn

by Michael Joel-Hansen

Local organization talks mental health

Recognizing mental illness and seeking resources

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