Seeking support as the pandemic continues
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This article was published 02/06/2021 (730 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
It has been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, creating new stresses and challenges for people in our communities. From having to live with constant uncertainty to loss of income and social isolation – many people are feeling the strain of the past several months.
In surveying Canadians between September and December of 2020, Statistics Canada found that one in five people had symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. It also found that youth, women, people facing significant social isolation and visible minorities were impacted at higher rates than the general population.
If you feel it is too challenging to maintain your well-being or that your quality of life is being impacted, it may be time to reach out for support. There are many useful resources available in our province.
Some support services have been developed in response to the pandemic and include short-term and virtual therapy options. Manitoba has a two-session counselling program available by calling 1-844-218-2955, as well as the AbilitiCBT virtual therapy program available at manitoba.abiliticbt.com
The Government of Canada offers the Wellness Together program which provides free mental health support and counselling and can be found at wellnesstogether.ca or by calling 1-866-585-0445.
Kids Help Phone is a 24-hour phone and text support service for kids and youth and can be reached by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting 686868.
Manitoba also has many organizations providing mental health support for particular groups. These organizations include the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (1-855-662-6605), Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services (1-855-662-6605) and the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line (1‑855‑242-3310).
There are also dedicated support services for individuals facing crisis. Please note that the following phone numbers should only be used in crisis situations – the Crisis Response Centre Mobile Crisis Service in Winnipeg (204-940-1781), the Klinic Crisis Line (204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019) and the Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (1-877-435-7170).
The Government of Manitoba has continued to invest in and expand mental health and addictions services throughout the pandemic to ensure Manitobans get the support they need.
We are also dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and I, as the Minister of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, am proclaiming the month of June to be PTSD Awareness Month in Manitoba.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can appear following a traumatic event and can affect people of all ages. I encourage anyone who requires assistance and support in dealing with past traumas to seek help through some of the previously mentioned resources. While we are still facing uncertainty in the days to come, please know that you are not alone. There are services and supports available to help you.
Audrey Gordon
Southdale constituency report
Audrey Gordon is the PC MLA for Southdale.