Local 514 host Savanna Craig interviews Ella Amir, Executive Director of AMI-Quebec about how the pandemic has drained mental health resources and the ability for Montrealers to access those resources in a timely manner.

Ella discusses AMI-Quebec's free services which cater to those experiencing mental illness and caretakers of loved ones experiencing mental illness. Ella discusses how the pandemic has affected mental illness, how to seek help, and how seeking help with a mental illness isn't as easy as it sounds. She says when someone is experiencing depression it can be difficult for them to lift themselves out of this and reach for help. But she recommends those in this situation reach out to a loved one for help. She also discusses how mental health checks can be better supported by police being accompanied by social workers.

Free mental health services in Quebec:

Local Community Service Centres (CLSC) offer 12 free sessions with a private therapist.

AMI-Quebec offers free support groups for those suffering from mental illness, family caregivers supporting a loved one with a mental illness, and those experiencing both.

La Maison St. Jacques offers free group psychotherapy for adults 18-50 and group support for mothers.

If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please visit a crisis centre.

Intervention and short term housing is available @ Association Iris in Montreal North, Centre L’Autre Maison in Montreal South-West and Équipe Mobile de Crise Résolution in Montreal East. 24/7 hotline for over the phone intervention is available at Suicide Action Montreal (1-866-277-3553), Tracom (514-483-3033) and Le Transit (514-282-7753).

Part of this interview was used for episode 3 of Local 514, focused on the increase in need for mental health services in Montreal. To watch the full episode, click here.