This holiday season will be different, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. While decorations and festive lights brighten the dark winter, challenges brought by the pandemic pose unbearable struggles for many. If you’re not feeling well, you’re not alone.
Mental health looks different for every individual. COVID-19 has caused sudden and unprecedented changes that cause stress and anxiety. For many, health restrictions (for our good!) during holiday celebrations mean not spending time with family members, loved ones and friends. Physical isolation does not mean an emotional one. It’s more important than ever to stay connected.
Beyond personal and community efforts to stay resilient, strong and connected, there are resources available. This might be of help to you, your loved ones or family. You can find below, links to local and national resources. Stay safe, stay healthy!
IMMEDIATE CRISIS SUPPORT:
Adults: Text WELLNESS to 741741
Front Line Workers: Text FRONTLINE to 741741
Resources for everyone in the North:
Yukon:
Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services across Yukon
Northwest Territories:
NWT Community Counselling Program
Nunavut:
Government of Nunavut – Mental Health
Wellness Together Canada:
This portal provides tools and resources to help Canadians get back on track. These include modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues.
Wellness Together Canada offers the following at no cost to Canadians.
Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace:
Find information about how the Government of Canada addresses mental health in the workplace and access resources, tools and services for organizations, managers and employees.
- Wellness self-assessment and tracking.
- Self-guided courses, apps, and other resources.
- Group coaching and community of support.
- Counselling by text or phone.
Resources for federal public service workers:
For government employees: contact the 24-7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your departmental coordinator, access care through the Public Service Healthcare Plan (PSHP), or use the nationwide Specialized Organizational Services (SOS).
You can also check out Treasury Board of Canada's fact sheet for more resources on mental health.
Canadian Mental Health Association
CMHA has put together some resources and suggestions to help support your mental health at this time of uncertainty.