The stress of isolation and self-distancing and the worry brought on by the cororonavirus pandemic is starting to take its toll on the mental health of Quebecers. “In the beginning, people were able to tolerate it, but as confinement is progressing we’re seeing it’s more and more challenging for everybody,” said Dr.
Karine Igartua, president of the Quebec Psychiatric Association and an emergency room psychiatrist at the Montreal General Hospital.
Igartua said there’s been a spike in recent weeks in the number of people presenting at the ER with mental health problems. It’s been especially tough for those with pre-existing mental health issues. “The first three to four weeks was very quiet.