A pandemic is a very stressful event for individuals and communities. It’s normal to feel some stress and anxiety. It’s also very common for people to display great resiliency during times of crisis.[1]
We should remember that this is absolutely the time to lean on each other. Even if we can’t be close physically, we need to stay close emotionally. So, while you’re staying in, stay in touch with each other, and reach out if you need support.
CMHA has put together some resources and suggestions to help support your mental health at this time of uncertainty.
We encourage you to share this page. We will be updating it regularly, so please check back for new resources.
Services and supports
Find your local CMHA here
Get free mental health support at BounceBack
Recovery Colleges – Access free Mental Health Courses
Get free mental health support at Wellness Together Canada
Reach Kids Help Phone or call at 1-800-668-6868
Thinking of suicide? Call 1-833-456-4566 (in QC: 1-866-277-3553) or visit crisisservicescanada.ca.
In an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency department.
Policy papers and Statements
Mental health impacts of COVID-19: Round 3
Mental health impacts of COVID-19: Wave 2
Mental health impacts of COVID-19: Wave 1
Statement on Universal Basic Income
COVID-19 and Mental Health: Heading Off an Echo Pandemic
‘Social distancing’ is a misnomer: we should be physically distancing, but remain as social as ever
Online supports for COVID-19 stress are there—but Canadians aren’t accessing them
Pre-Budget submission: Investing in focused areas of support to ensure long-term mental health recovery for Canadians
Self-care
Understanding mental health and well-being in later life
Why saying “I feel bad” can actually make you feel better
Understand your emotions, understand yourself
7 steps to calm your inner world with words
Your Social Distancing Survival Guide
What if negative emotions aren’t so bad?
Pandemic pushing your anxiety buttons?
I’m feeling stressed due to the pandemic
Social connection is the cure
Listening: how to make your social interactions real
Kindness is contagious. Not just fear
More than simply “fine”
Move for your mood
Coping with Loneliness
Social Support
Stress
Grieving
Caring for others
Care for the Caregiver
Supporting a Loved One
Caring for children in the COVID-19 crisis
Caring for Older Adults during COVID-19
Children, Youth, and Anxiety
Children, Youth, and Depression
Discovery College Kelowna – Coping with Current Events: A Parent, Family and Caregiver Toolkit
Tools for people aged 70 and over and caregivers
Screens and your child: the inside scoop
Tips on how to really listen
Overdose Prevention
Carry it Toolkit – Naloxone 101
Workplace Mental Health
RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE: A psychological toolkit for heading back to work (CMHA Ontario)
6 tips to respond to employee anxiety about COVID-19
Why working from home is so exhausting and how to reinvigorate
Zoom Exhaustion is Real. Here Are Six Ways to Find Balance and Stay Connected
Working from Home During COVID, With and Without Children
How to cope with social distancing and working from home
Other relevant resources
MHCC COVID-19 Resources
McGill – Dr. Turecki’s COVID-19 stress management tips
Here are some credible sources of information that we recommend:
- Your local public health unit
- Your provincial/territorial public health authority
- The Government of Canada’s COVID-19 web page
- World Health Organization
What is happening at my local CMHA?
If you are looking for the CMHA in your community, you can find it here. Check their website for local news and information.
What is happening with CMHA National’s upcoming events and programs?
Please check the websites below to stay informed about any changes to plans and schedules.
Mental Health for All (MH4A) Conference
Mental Health Week
Ride Don’t Hide
Peer Support Canada
Not Myself Today
Take care and stay safe!
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration