OTTAWA | Front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic may be at higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Read also: All the developments of the pandemic
The Dre Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, said that the pandemic could act as a catalyst on this Day of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness in Ontario.
Generally, PTSD occurs after a traumatic event that you have experienced or witnessed, she said. “Examples of traumatic events include interpersonal violence, serious accidents, wars and global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dre Tam in a statement released on Saturday.
“We recognize, however, that some people may be at greater risk for PTSD due to their type of employment, including first responders, health professionals, personal support workers and members of the Canadian Armed Forces (FAC) who have cared for seniors in long-term care homes, “she said.
The expert wishes to recall that this condition can affect anyone, regardless of their history. Although many people only experience brief episodes, others will be affected by PTSD for months or years.
In case of questions regarding this mental health issue, the government has made available the Well-being Space Canada platform, which provides advice and resources.
Since the start of the pandemic, more than 102,954 people have been infected in the country and at least 8,516 deaths have been recorded.
In addition, an average of 38,000 people per day were screened in the past week and a total of 2,598,243 Canadians have been tested to date.
