The provincial government announced that it will be investing $435 into mental health and addictions services in the wake of COVID-19.

The investment is an increase of $33 million.

The government said that the funding is part of an effort to help people, especially vulnerable populations, cope with the mental health effects of the pandemic.

“Living through this uncertain and distressing time has caused some level of worry for us all,” Premier Scott Moe said.  “Just as people should be caring for their physical health during this pandemic, it’s important to pay attention to our mental health too.  Whether you’re coping with the loneliness of self-isolation, concerned about the health of your loved ones or worried about what the future may hold, there are mental health supports available to help you through this difficult time.”

All SHA run mental health inpatient units will be open for admissions as needed, and community mental health sites will remain open, offering most services by phone.

Group based services have been discontinued, but clients and patients are being contacted.

HealthLine 811 will continue to provide 24/7 mental health services as usual.

Other mental health resources include The Farm Stress Line supporting farmers and ranchers at 1-800-667-4442, Kids Help Phone, and Mobile Crisis Units.

The government is also urging people to help each other out as much as possible and remember the difference between physical and social distancing.

“To stay healthy mentally, we all need to connect with our friends and family – but safely, by phone or online as much as possible,” Moe said.  “That’s the best way we can protect ourselves and each other.”

To learn more about mental health supports and COVID-19 in general, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.