Timmins hospital increases awareness about its mental health services

As Mental Health Week comes to an end in Canada, the Timmins and District Hospital reminds people its crisis line is open 24 hours, every day.

Morgan Ellerton manages the Mental Health Services unit at Timmins and District Hospital. For him, Mental Health Week is about increasing awareness of the services available at the hospital so people know where to turn for help.

“We are an acute inpatient unit, so we take patients from anywhere across the DSM spectrum, so schizophrenia, bipolar depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders,” said Ellerton.

The unit has 23 beds for adults and four for children and youth. Ellerton said it’s typically at 75 per cent capacity, but there are times when the unit is full.

The crisis hotline is always available.

Big increase in calls

In 2024, the hospital said there was a 39 per cent increase in calls –2,149 compared to the 1,546 calls that came in 2023. The most calls occurred in 2020 at the start of the pandemic with 3,319. The phone line is funded by the Ministry of Health and anyone can call it.

“It’s staffed by our crisis worker in the emergency department as well,” Ellerton said.

“Their role is to de-escalate the crisis with you on the phone, refer you to resources or assist you in getting to the hospital or making the recommendation that you come in. Or if the crisis is severe enough, contacting police and having police attend to provide that assistance.”

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A crisis varies from person to person, but Ellerton said when it reaches a point where they can’t cope or are not safe in their dwelling, it’s time to seek help.

Ellerton said this winter was especially hard on those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. He saw a significant increase in admissions -- and some unfortunate events because of it.