What resources can help struggling youth cope during the pandemic?
The World Health Organization defines Mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” So to put it shortly, in order to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and make a contribution to the community, one must prioritize mental health. There are resources and services that can help provide an individual with the support he or she needs.
Provided below is a list of trusted resources and services that can help those that are dealing with mental health challenges during the pandemic:
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 pm to 12 am ET)
Kids help phone: 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 68686
Wellness Together Canada: Call 1-866-585-0445 (Adults) or 1-888-668-6810 (Youth)
Hope for Wellness Helpline call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat
Youthspace.ca (NEED2 Suicide Prevention, Education and Support) - Youth Text (6pm-12am PT): (778) 783-0177 & Youth Chat (6pm-12am PT): www.youthspace.ca
Crisis Services Canada: Toll Free (24/7): 1 (833) 456-4566 & Text support (4pm-12am ET daily): 45645
Canadian Crisis Hotline: 1 (888) 353-2273
Bounceback 1-866-345-0224 (toll-free) https://bouncebackontario.ca/
Good2Talk: 1-866-925-5454 https://good2talk.ca/
Better Help www.betterhelp.com
The LifeLine App www.thelifelinecanada.ca
Big White Wall Canada www.bigwhitewall.ca
eMentalHealth www.ementalhealth.ca/
Tips to take care of mental health from the Government of Canada:
Get information from reliable sources, such as Canada.ca/coronavirus.
Stay informed but follow news coverage about COVID-19 in moderation. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
Make time to step back and consider how to take advantage of unexpected flexibility in your daily routine.
Stay connected. Talk to friends or family about your feelings and concerns.
Maintain healthy relationships and respect other people’s feelings and decisions.
Show support and empathy to those dealing with difficult situations.
Identify what is within your control and try to direct your energy towards what most worries you within your own control.
“ Just because no one else can heal or do the inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should or need to do it alone”
And there you have it, folks!