These days, it doesn’t take long in a conversation with friends and neighbours to hear someone mention feeling overwhelmed. Winter flu season, an uncertain economy, financial pressures, and lately some very heavy global issues have left many people feeling the strain on their mental well-being.
I think we would all agree that when it comes to our physical wellbeing, early interventions and preventative strategies help us stay healthy. But our minds require just as much, if not more, attention when it comes to maintaining our mental wellness.
In the Madawaska Valley, we are fortunate to have preventative mental health services through the support offered at the Family Health Team (MVFHT). One of the two mental health counsellors with the MVFHT, Ian Sernoskie, says that support is easy to access and only a phone call away.
“Although referrals can certainly be made by a family physician, it is not required. People seeking assistance can call us directly at the MVFHT and ask the receptionist to connect them with one of us.”
He went on to explain that through their intake process, a determination is made to either begin support services with the MVFHT or, if the situation is outside their scope, to ensure appropriate referrals are made so individuals can receive the support they need.
Ian emphasized that their counselling services are free and, although they are not a crisis service, they may be able to see someone the same day if they have the capacity to do so.
“We see people in a variety of circumstances and in all stages of life. Typically, we provide short-term counselling of about 10 sessions, which can sometimes be reinstated after a period of time. We offer in-person sessions, but between myself and my colleague Lindsay (Kiervin), we can also provide support by phone, telehealth, or virtually.”
Currently, Ian says they are supporting people dealing with grief and bereavement, as well as those seeking help with stress, anxiety, life transitions, or relationship issues such as family dynamics or work-related challenges.
“In terms of mood, winter can be the darkest part of the year and can bring seasonal affective disorder. We also see people coping with chronic pain, critical medical diagnosis, and individuals caring for loved ones dealing with dementia or chronic illness.”
Another common thread that people are dealing with right now, is global affairs. “A lot of people are talking about the news and what’s going on in the world – you can’t really get away from that. People are feeling overwhelmed, maybe discouraged by the state of things – ruminating about and experiencing emotional fatigue or helplessness.”
To help with this he suggests taking advantage of nature especially since we are so fortunate to live in the area we do. “Access our lakes for fishing, go skating – even taking a short daily walk outdoors can reduce stress and get your mind off things.” He also suggests maintaining a regular routine, focusing on meaningful activities, talking things through with family and friends, and limiting the time spent watching the news or scrolling online, taking breaks from distressing information.
Ian says that the organization acknowledges that navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, and he wants the community to know that the MVFHT can help guide people through it.
While many of these challenges are universal, they can be especially difficult to face quietly in small rural communities where people are accustomed to carrying on and keeping personal struggles private. Having grown up in Barry’s Bay himself, Ian recognizes that anonymity can be a major concern and may even prevent people from seeking help. He wants people to know that confidentiality is guaranteed.
“As a local person myself, I understand how important this is, especially for someone who has never been to counselling before. At our first meeting, one of the first things I do is address confidentiality and explain how I will ensure our relationship remains private. For example, if I go to the waiting room, I’ll ask if someone is here to see Ian rather than calling out their name. And if I see them in the grocery store, I won’t approach them. We are very discreet. Behind the office door is where people can open up.”
He also recognizes that aside from the stigma some people may feel about seeking help, others simply may not know what to expect from a counselling visit.
“It’s a safe space to come and let out some of those painful or difficult things you’re dealing with—to breathe them out and begin working through them. Hopefully people leave with a little more peace, a little more understanding, and perhaps a new approach to dealing with the challenges they face.”
Ian says if he could change one thing about mental health support in the community, it would simply be having more time. “More time to spend with people. People just want to be heard. A big part of what I do is helping people work through things – we brainstorm, develop coping strategies, build resiliency, maybe look at the past to understand how things came to be. But a lot of it is simply listening. It’s a simple thing – to have the capacity to do more of that.”
For anyone who may be experiencing challenges and doesn’t know what to do, Ian suggests that asking for help is a good place to start. “Things can’t really change unless you take some kind of action. It has to start somewhere. If you’re really suffering or feeling overwhelmed, take one small step forward and ask for help.”
He also encourages people to visit their website (www.madawaskavalleyfht.com) and click on resources/mental health for a full list of agency contact information for various types of services in the County such as those dealing with addiction, abuse, ADHD, etc.
Also, in an effort to keep services patient-focused and as beneficial as possible, the MVFHT will soon be reaching out through various avenues to hear directly from the community about what mental health services they would like and how they would like to see them delivered. This feedback will help guide future planning for mental health services in the region.
As conversations around mental health continue to grow, services like those offered through the Family Health Team serve as an important reminder that support is close to home. Whether someone is facing grief, stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, reaching out for help can be the first step toward feeling better. And as Ian Sernoskie reminds us, sometimes what people need most is simply someone willing to listen.
To access local counselling services through the MVFHT, call 613-756-9888 ex #5
Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
Renfrew County Mental Health
Crisis Line
1‑866‑996‑0991
Eastern Ontario Child & Youth
Crisis Line
1‑877‑377‑7775
Kids Help Phone
1‑800‑668‑6868 | Text 686868
Trans Lifeline
1‑877‑330‑6366
2SLGBTQ+ Youth Line
1‑800‑268‑9688
Canada Suicide Prevention / Dial 9-8-8
1‑833‑456‑4566 or text/dial 9‑8‑8
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