IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH- OR ADDICTION-RELATED CRISIS AND FEEL THAT YOU ARE IN DANGER, GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL.
CALL 911 or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
The COVID-19 pandemic has been distressing for many Canadians and has dramatically altered how we socialize with their friends, family, and wider community. With misinformation, fear, and uncertainty around COVID-19 dominating the news cycle, it is important to consider your mental health needs and seek help if you feel unsafe.
ConnexOntario (Tel. 1-866-531-2600, or online at connexontario.ca)
ConnexOntario offers online and telephone services 24/7 to provide Ontarians with free, confidential health services information for mental health-related distress and addiction. With their comprehensive database of health care services, the staff at ConnexOntario can connect you with local initiatives and programs to help address any of the following needs: mental health, drug addiction, gambling addition, and alcohol use disorder or dependence.
Counselling Services at the University of Guelph (online at wellness.uoguelph.ca/counselling)
With classes now moved online, students must address an academic burden while experiencing social isolation. Counselling services at the University of Guelph have many resources for students who may be struggling during this time:
- Individual counselling – One-on-one counselling sessions with a certified counsellor.
- Therapy groups – Groups of 8-9 individuals meet for 1.5 hour weekly sessions with professional staff and a student co-facilitator to discuss personal problems and coping mechanisms. There are groups for many different topics including Depression and Anxiety, Disordered Eating, Mindfulness, and Stress Management.
- Academic supports – Program counsellors are available to discuss academic workloads, course deadlines, and strategies for time-management and other skills that are valuable for your academic career.
- Good2Talk – A free, confidential resource for postsecondary students across Canada, staffed by professional counsellors who can help address stress, mental health, and substance use. Good2Talk can be accessed by calling 1-866-925-5454 or by texting GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
- Sanvello – A free mood-tracking app for iPhone and Android that provides guided mediations, coping tools, and CBT techniques that can be accessed 24/7; all activities are at the user’s discretion and can be accessed as much or as little as needed.
For a full list of resources provided by Wellness Services at the University of Guelph, including off-campus options, click here.
CAMH COVID-19 discussion forum: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has created an open forum to facilitate public discussion between individuals who are feeling distressed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides a space for sharing stress management strategies, peer support, and connection with other Canadians experiencing pandemic-related stress and upset. To view the forum, click here.
- You must make an account to post and participate in discussions – it’s free and anonymous!
- All conversations are monitored by CAMH moderators
- The forum is open for posting and responding on weekdays from 9am to 5pm; outside of these times, discussions can still be viewed, but not posted
PHYSICAL DISTANCING =/= SOCIAL DISTANCING: It is important to limit your proximity and personal contact with others, but this doesn’t mean you can’t be social!
Here are a few ideas for staying social with friends and family:
| MOVIE NIGHT Free online extensions like Teleparty allow for long-distance movie nights by sharing streamed movies and TV shows! Supports many streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+ Only one account is needed Stream is synchronized Group chat function lets you discuss the show while it’s on! | WORK UP A SWEAT There are many online and offline options to get up and moving with your friends. Select your favourite workout video from Youtube and use video-calling platforms to get your friends involved! Find a socially-distanced gathering place, like a park or nature reserve, for an outdoor workout or hike. |
| FLEX YOUR KITCHEN SKILLS Cozymeal provides online cooking and mixology classes that cater to every diet, food preference, and price point! Each course is led by a professional chef to cook and respond to questions in real-time Guests pay by device – your bubble could split the cost with one device! Recipes and ingredients are sent with your booking confirmation | GET CRAFTY You can socialize and support local businesses by picking up kits from local art supply stores getting artsy with friends over Skype or Zoom. Play with Clay (Guelph, ON) lets you pick your pottery and glazes, decorate it at home, and bring it back for firing! Wyndham Art Supplies (Guelph, ON) offers a wide array of art supplies, including kits for sketching, painting, sculpting, tie-dye, and more! |
