During a time of crisis, it can be challenging to maintain good mental health and coping strategies when feelings of stress surface. It is a time of uncertainty and a time we have been taken out of our normal, daily routines and thrust into the unknown. It can be challenging to keep up our feelings of hope and resiliency. However, it is an important time to feel some sense of connectivity with others as we try to come together to support each other and maintain the strong relationships we have built with family and friends and the community at large.  So, please be sure to reach out if you’d like to talk.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious, call the Canadian Mental Health Association 24/7 Support Line at 519-601-8055, the Reach Out line at 519-433-2023 or connect with their web chat at reachout247.ca. If you are feeling low, stressed or anxious, BounceBack is an online tool for managing mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Visit bouncebackontario.ca or call 1-866-345-0224 for more information.

Here are some other ways to keep yourself mentally healthy:

• Find ways to connect and stay busy and stick to a normal routine as much as possible.
• Keep the same bed time, the same awake time and get dressed every day.
• Get regular exercise and try to connect with others.
• During a crisis, a sense of connection and feeling of community is essential for hope and healing. Try Zoom, Facetime, Skype, phone calls, or write letters.
• Go ahead and get angry but try not to have a “doomsday” attitude. If you need to, allow yourself 15 minutes of anger a day, and then do your best to move on to something more positive.
• Watch reputable news stations and try to limit the length of time you watch them.

If you are helping young children in your life cope during this time, encourage a normal routine as much as you can. Encourage them to write, draw or journal about their feelings. Talk to them about looking for the “helpers” during this time of crisis. Reassure them that there are people all around the globe and in their communities who are rallying together to support each other.

The key takeaway is to not hesitate to seek the help and support you need. You are not alone!

Submitted by Nursing Staff at McCormick Home.

Dimensions Newsletter Summer 2021