This year’s #MentalHealthWeek is all about COMPASSION!
Compassion Connects May 6-12/2024
We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so can make an enormous difference. This year’s Mental Health Week is centered on the healing power of compassion. In a world plagued by suffering, we emphasize that kindness is equally intrinsic to our humanity.
Compassion isn’t just about being kind to others, it’s about extending that same kindness to ourselves. Compassion is the practice of meeting suffering – whether our own or the suffering of others – with kindness.
With worrying levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness heightened by social inequality and an affordability crisis, it is easy to overlook that kindness is an integral part of our humanity.
Did you know that giving compassion feels as good as receiving it! Researchers found that when we extend kindness, our bodies release oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone.
Life is full of ups and downs. One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. By recognizing this shared experience, we start to feel how #CompassionConnects. Get involved during #MentalHealthWeek at www.mentalhealthweek.ca
Remember: Mental Health is simply one aspect of overall health. Let’s help each other to normalize mental health and eliminate the stigma surrounding it!
At the CHC, we offer a diverse range of mental health programs and services at no cost. Here’s a glimpse:
Our OPENING DOORS PROGRAM at the CHC is a wellness initiative for individuals aged 16+ and above managing mental illness or seeking mental health support. The program offers a range of activities including exercise classes, meditation, cooking sessions, life skills workshops, mental health talks, art classes, and gardening. It promotes kindness and community connection to combat social isolation. The program provides peer and professional support, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental needs in a safe environment. Both in-person and virtual options are available, including assistance with transportation to remove barriers to participation.
SOCIAL WORKER LED MONTHLY MENTAL WELLNESS SESSIONS:
- Getting Things Done: Learn time management strategies to enhance focus and productivity.
- Rise & Shine: Strengthen resilience to overcome life’s challenges.
- Roadmap: Receive guidance on Advance Care Planning in Ontario.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage difficult emotions effectively.
- Caregiver Support: Learn self-care tips for caregivers.
- S.O.S: Various stress-relief strategies.
- Glass Half Full: Discover tips for a more optimistic outlook.
- Sleep Happy: Learn the basics of achieving restful sleep.
- Managing Clutter: Improve mental well-being by organizing your physical space.
- Effective Communication: Strengthen communication skills for difficult conversations.
- Loneliness and Social Isolation: Explore factors contributing to loneliness and learn coping strategies.
- Anxiety 101: Practical techniques to manage anxiety.
- Anger Management: Understand and manage anger habits.
- Mindful Eating: Learn mindful eating practices to manage emotional eating.
*Wellness session topics can change based on the need of individuals attending programs.
ANGER MANAGEMENT FOR ADULTS: A seven-week series to understand and express anger appropriately.
NIGHT LIGHT – LIVING with DEPRESSION & ANXIETY: A seven-week series to gain insights and strategies to manage anxiety and depression.
LIVING with ADULT ADHD: A seven-week series for individuals who struggle with concentration, forgetfulness & impulsive behavior. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child or adult, or suspect you may experience ADHD, this group is for you.
MEDITATION: Reduces stress and anxiety, enhances emotional balance, self-esteem, concentration, and lowers blood pressure. Offered at the Sarnia location only.
SOCIAL WORK SERVICES: Available for primary care clients.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: North Lambton: 519-786-4545 West Lambton: 519-344-3017
THERE IS NO SHAME IN SEEKING HELP
Across Ontario, helplines and resources are available to support individuals experiencing mental health crises.
What is the 24 7 crisis line for Ontario?
ConnexOntario: 1-866 -531-2600 or www.connexontario.ca
Whoever you are, wherever you are located in Canada, by calling or texting 9-8-8 you can connect with a trained responder who’s ready to listen without judgement. In the face of increased demand for crisis services, 9-8-8 provides: A number that’s easy to remember in a crisis situation.
ConnexOntario: 1-866 -531-2600 or www.connexontario.ca
Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental health and/or gambling. Available 24/7.
Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566 or talksuicide.ca
Offers toll-free support to people in Canada who have concerns about suicide. Phone line available 24/7 or text 45645 between 4 p.m. and midnight ET.
Sarnia family counselling Centre Distress Line 9am-10pm 7 days/week
1-888-347-8737
Lambton Mental Health Crisis Line (24/hrs/day, 7 days/week (519)-336-3445
0r 1-800-307-4319
Distress and Crisis Ontario: http://www.dcontario.org/
Distress Centres (DC’s) across Ontario offer support and a variety of services to their communities. At a DC you can find a listening ear for lonely, depressed, and/or suicidal people, usually 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The website also offers a chat function.
Good2Talk Helpline: 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
Ontario’s 24/7 helpline for postsecondary students.
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Youth mental health support available 24/7.
Children’s Mental Health Ontario Centres: cmho.org/findhelp/
100 member organizations operating in every region in Ontario, providing treatment and support to children, youth, and families. Free. No referral required.
Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Phone and chat counselling is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Offers support to former residential school students and those affected. Available 24 hours.
Talk4healing (for Indigenous women): 1-855-554-4325
LGBT Youthline Ontario: 647-694-4275 + https://www.youthline.ca/ (chat, text and email currently available)
Ontario-wide peer-support for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, queer and questioning young people.
Assaulted Women’s Helpline:
- TOLL-FREE: 1-866-863-0511
- TOLL FREE TTY: 1-866-863-7868
- #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus Mobile
24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line for all women in Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.
Seniors Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011
Provided by Elder Abuse Ontario, the Seniors Safety Line provides contact and referral information for local agencies across the province that can assist in cases of elder abuse.
Ontario Caregiver Helpline: 1-833-416-2273 + live chat also available at https://ontariocaregiver.ca/
Provides caregivers with a one-stop resource for information and support.