BOOMTIME STRESSORS ACKNOWLEDGED

Boom and Bust economies have one thing in common, plenty of stressors.
Those stress factors have been in much evidence lately as frontline
workers at Aspen Regional Health mental health offices can testify.

"I know we're getting more referrals -- especially from young
families," Bob Lyons, regional mental health co-ordinator for Aspen
Regional Health said.

Other referrals are coming from single men under 30 and it concerns
one particular stressor -- substance abuse.

"A lot of referrals are coming in where drugs and alcohol are in the
background. And there's a lot more cocaine than meth."

He said a lot of the problems are caused by people working too many
hours. Lyons said he's heard some cases where some people in oil and
gas production are working 28 days without a break.

"The long working schedule seems to be a bit of an issue," Lyons
said.

There is a bright spot though, he said. At one time many men had a
stigma about coming in to mental health offices because they didn't
want to admit they had a problem. This is changing, Lyons said, which
is a good thing.

With families it's the stress of balancing work and home life which
many are struggling with, he said.

Although many people are working longer hours these days, Lyons said
there is a positive aspect for some.

"A number of people who have been having trouble in the past getting
work are finding employment now."

More and more people are employed now, but there's another stressor
which is causing many angst -- the lack of affordable housing. Lyons
said this is definitely a worry for many people across the region.

The Hinton mental health has been undergoing some stress of its own,
but that will be alleviated somewhat later this month.

"In mid-August we'll be fully staffed," Lyons said.

Lyons is responsible for the Edson and Hinton and Whitecourt offices,
but his jurisdiction stretches from Jasper in the west to Wabasca in
the east.