The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation that is challenging the mental health of virtually everyone. Even if you’re not concerned about the health of a loved one or loss of employment, changes to your daily routines and inability to socialize and conduct life as normal can affect your mental well-being.
Whether you’re seeking supports for yourself, a friend, parent or child, here are some trustworthy and helpful resources for mental health that you may find useful.
If you or anyone you know are in urgent distress, please call the Crisis Line Association of BC at 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-1-1.
Canadian Mental Health Association
The CMHA has put together a COVID-19 guide for staying well in uncertain times. Click here to access it and find relevant, credible health and support in BC.
310 Mental Health (310-6789)
Toll-free access to emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health. Available 24/7/365 throughout the Province of BC.
First Nations Health Authority
The BC provincial health authority for First Nations families and individuals throughout the province. Their Facebook Page is updated regularly with information on helping Indigenous Communities respond to COVID-19, including a video from Dr. Evan Adams, Chief Medical Officer for the FNHA.
Click here to read a recent FNHA article on the impacts of the pandemic on mental health and wellness.
Crisis Centre BC
Crisis Centre BC are currently offering special programming to support mental health during the pandemic. Click here for more information.
Anxiety Canada
Anxiety Canada is a well-established non-profit organization for all Canadians living with anxiety. They are organizing a series of virtual town hall meetings with mental health experts and have published numerous articles on coping with COVID-19. Click here for their COVID-19 resources.
Foundry
Foundry Abbotsford (and Foundry BC centres across the province) have put a number of measures in place to continue supporting youth 12 to 24 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more information.
WHO
The World Health organization has published this infographic on helping children cope with stress during the pandemic.
HealthLink BC
The province’s website for sharing health and wellness information, has compiled a large list of links, resources and information relating to mental health and COVID-19. They have divided it into sections for families, teens, adults, seniors, caregivers, workers, and Indigenous people. Click here to access the large list.
Fraser Health
Throughout the local area, Fraser Health operates mental health centres for adults 19+. Click here for a full list of centres’ contact information.
Abbotsford Child and Youth Committee
The ACYC offers information on infant and early childhood mental health via their website. Click here to learn more.