Personal mental health plans needed after Fort McMurray wildfire, experts say

A Fort McMurray man who once facedsuicidal thoughts over the 2016 wildfire says he has a mental health plan and wants to encourage others who may be vulnerable to come up with one as well.

Jay Telegdisaid hehad a hard time coping afterhe losthis home to the massive wildfirein Maylast year. He's healthier now but still has a mental health plan just in case.

"I have a whole bunch of friends, if needed, I can call or text and say, 'Hey, I am feeling down today.Can you come by and spend some time with me and help cheer me up? '" saidTelegdi, who is diagnosed withbipolardisorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

"Or even worse like, 'Hey, I am thinking of hurting myself. Get over here ASAP.'"

The fireforcedhim and about 90,000 others to evacuate the city.

The FortMcMurraycrisis-prevention society,Some Other Solutions, saidits crisis hotline has received 900 calls so far this year, compared to 400 in all of 2016.

About 155of them this year were about suicidal thoughts. In 2016, 54 calls were about suicidal thoughts.

• Crisis hotline calls 'referencing suicide' skyrocket after Fort McMurray wildfire
• Skyrocketing PTSD rates linger a year after Fort McMurray wildfire

Alberta Health Services also said it has seen more people seeking mental health support after the wildfire.

SandraCorbett, chief of psychiatry for Alberta Health Services' north zone, said36,150 clients have asked for mental health helpsince May2016. She noted thatin-patient beds for peopleat risk of harmingthemselvesare routinely full.

Havea plan

Linda Sovdi, the health and wellness manager at Some Other Solutions, said anyoneexperiencingsuicidal thoughts should have a mental healthplan.

She said early warning signs of suicide include thoughts of self-harm, excessiveabuse of drugs and alcohol, reckless or high-risk behaviour andgiving valuable possessions away.

"If someone has a physical ormedical need, we wear alert bracelets," she said, addingmental illness should be treated similarly.

Those with a history of mental illness or who work in industrieswhere they could encounter trauma, such ashealthcare, emergency responseand journalism,should consider devising a plan.

TheCanadian Mental Health Association's website has steps to guide people increating mental health plans. A plan could include incorporating calming activities, listing reasons for living and having a list of people to call when feeling down.

The organization says people maydevelop plans on their own, and can get input fromloved ones or mental health professionals.

Talking about suicideshouldn't bedifferent from discussing symptoms to watch for when someone has aphysical health condition like diabetes,Sovdisaid.

"Start the conversation and get the help that's required."

Follow David Thurton, CBC'sFort McMurraycorrespondent, onFacebook,Twitteror contact him viaemail.