The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit say creating new routines, rituals and finding ways to have fun can help you adjust to this new situation.
The Health Unit is offering up tips to manage your mental well-being like limiting your intake of media, choose one or two times a day to update yourself on the latest news so you are not bombarded by a constant stream of negative information. Focus on self-care by eating nutritious food, being physically active and getting enough sleep. Immune systems work best when people take care of themselves, according to the Health Unit. They also say to connect with friends and family over the phone or online so you don’t feel isolated. The Health Unit adds texting doesn’t give the same feeling of connection as seeing someone’s face or hearing their voice.
The Health Unit also encourages people to reach out for help when they need it.
Help lines available include:
- Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-866-281-2911
- CMHA’s Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-531-2600
- Good2Talk is for post-secondary students at 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON at 686868
- A Friendly Voice is a phone line for adults 55 and older who may be feeling lonely or isolated at 1-855-892-9992 (This is not a crisis line)
- Bounce Back phone and online mental health program for people aged 15 and older and is a longer term program that needs a referral from primary healthcare professional
Resources for children and youth include:
- Every Kid in our Communities website
- The Ministry of Health’s Talking to Children factsheet
- CAMH’s Talking to Children about COVID-19 infosheet
- Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville website