As people lose sleep, lose control, and lose their tempers, public health officials are offering to help those who have lost their homes to flooding, and those who are working in flood zones.

Public Health Minister Lucie Charlebois pointed out Tuesday that psychologists and other mental health professionals are working in flooded areas to help those who are on edge.

She said that authorities are seeing many cases of people in distress, including many arguments, among people who are doing what they can to help.

Charlebois said people should seek help before they blow a gasket.

"It's not a matter of weakness, it's a matter of stress. It's a matter of not sleeping for a lot of days and people are not able to evaluate what they need because they're too tired. So we're there to listen to them, make sure they get the right services," said Charlebois.

Meanwhile people who have lost property and possessions to the flooding can get financial help.

At an information session on Tuesday evening in Ste. Anne de Bellevue at the Harpell Centre, workers told flood victims exactly what they need to do to get financial assistance.

The government offers limited coverage for basic furniture, kitchen equipment, and the contents of freezers, but will not cover luxury items.

Property damage is covered up to a maximum of $159,000.

Those workers are telling residents they can get up to $3,000 to pay for pumps, sandbags, and other items to prevent flood damage, including some compensation for wages.

They were also told that if evacuation is necessary they will be covered after the fourth day, at a rate of $20 per day per person affected: up to $2,400 per month for a family of four.

The government will also $50 for clothing if the person was not able to take any with them in the evacuation.

Ste. Anne de Bellevue Mayor Paola Hawa said people are grateful for the assistance.

"A lot of the difficult aspect of this situation is that you feel helpless. You're fighting against the water and you're losing the battle so here at least it gives people the feeling they have some form of control," said Hawa.

Temporary offices will be open Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Harpell Centre in Ste. Anne's, and on Wednesday at the Sociocultural Centre on Montée de l'Eglise in Ile Bizard.

More information sessions and temporary offices will be set up in Laval, Boisbriand, Pontiac, and Deux Montagnes in the days to come.

Flood victims should come as early as possible and bring identification.