A need for mental health support in the community

Some Other Solutions highlights mental health challenges in donation campaign

Some Other Solutions is highlighting the need for increased mental health support in the community following a year that has been embroiled with a pandemic, a flood and intensive racial divide as people fight for equal opportunities. 

The nonprofit organization has launched a donation campaign through social media to highlight some of the trends and challenges that are coming to light as more and more individuals and families reach out for help. In particular, children and youth in Fort McMurray and the surrounding areas are struggling. 

“We have been overwhelmed with requests for mentoring in the schools, to address anxiety, social expectations, relationship issues and feelings of isolation in our younger population,” explains Jason King, Executive Director of Some Other Solutions. “We know this pandemic will cause long-lasting impacts on the mental health of our youth and it’s vital that these young people have access to stable, positive resources for their mental wellness.” 

Past research shows that children who have experienced isolation or quarantine are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than those who weren’t required to isolate. Some Other Solutions is working hard to stay connected with any young people who are at risk and provide them and their families with the support they need.

In October alone, Some Other Solutions provided more than 100 youth sessions and there has been a significant increase in requests for their self-harm presentation for school-aged children as teachers grapple with how to help our young community members who are struggling. 

However, the society hasn’t been immune to the financial difficulties facing many businesses this year. The organization lost approximately 15 per cent of their annual funding and had to find operational efficiencies and reduce expenditures to maintain their services in the community. 

King is hopeful the increased awareness of the organization in the community will help bring in some private donations to help fill the need. 

“Mental health affects each and every one of us, whether directly or indirectly. We want to empower and elevate individuals and families to deal with life’s challenges and to do that, we need the help of our community.”