How smoky skies from wildfires is affecting British Columbians’ mental health

For some, the impact goes beyond merely feeling ‘bummed,’ says Canadian Mental Health Association director.  Extreme smoke seems to be a new feature of summers in British Columbia with back-to-back years of heavy wildfires in the province and, for some, the overcast skies are taking a toll on mental health. Across the province, air quality alerts have been issued, and health officials are advising British Columbians to avoid outdoor exercise. …Keeping to a regular routine, continuing to exercise — but indoors — and spending time with friends can help, she told Shelley Joyce, the host of CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops. …”On a serious note, there are a lot of people who are triggered by the smoke. If people are feeling as though this isn’t just, ‘oh, I’m having a grumpy day,’ they need to reach out for help,” emphasized Christa Mullaly, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Kamloops, B.C.