Look, the truth is right now, things are sucky. It sucks that a year into this pandemic and lockdown, we are still dealing with an inability to manage this pandemic. We aren’t handling it in a way that allows us all to have some sort of routine that seems like our old normal daily lives.
Right now, we are starting to see the mental health effects of winter here in Canada combining with the mental health effects of a year worth of lockdowns and lack of social supports and connections. You can now see a massive increase in mental health issues on all fronts and an increase in alcoholism. Stress levels of children and adults of all ages are on the rise, and they were already higher than health professionals would have liked before this all started.
Right now, it’s okay if you are not okay.
If you or your family are struggling because of a lack of resources financially, check out the services offered by your region and government. If you are Canadian like I am, here is the government website for assistance programs. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
Here are a few sites to check out if you need mental health support or resources. Some of these have been created by or in conjunction with the government precisely because of Covid-19. There will be mental health issues that arise because of the trauma of Covid-19 however there are a number of services that also have nothing to do with Covid-19 related stressors.
https://cmha.ca -Canadain Mental Health Association
https://ca.portal.gs – Wellness together
https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-support -Ontario supports
It doesn’t matter if you’re in Canada or not; some of these resources may help you. If you can’t find support in your local area or aren’t sure where to look, I am happy to help you find what you need.
If right now you’re struggling to find things to be happy about or smile about daily, check out these sites for good stories and beautiful, kind people helping others. On your harder days it may be the little ray of light that you need.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe_y6KKvS3PdIfb9q9pGug – Some Good News Youtube Channel
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org – Good News Network
https://tinybuddha.com – Tiny Buddha
Please know you are not alone if you are struggling right now. Take some time this weekend to unplug, unwind and reconnect with yourself.
HUGS
