Let’s Talk Mental Health

It’s time to put stigmas to bed and start the conversation on Mental Health. In particular, let’s talk about mental health challenges involved in caregiving. Feelings of isolation, panic, frustration, and depression, for example, are very common. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your caregiving responsibilities, there is always help. Together, we are strong, so let’s take a look at some resources you can use when you need a little TLC for the mind.

Helplines

To start, if ever things get too heavy or too overwhelming, helplines are available 24/7, and can often specialize in exactly what you’re going through. For instance, The Ontario Caregiver Helpline is designed for caregivers in Ontario, where caregivers can find mental health support services and information for themselves and even the people they care caring for. Furthermore, The Ontario Caregiver Helpline can help refer other caregivers to the support they need. The service is free and confidential, therefore you are not asked to provide your name and can be as open and honest as you like. There are two ways to access the helpline. You can either call 1-833-416-2273 (CARE) where you will speak with Community Resource Specialists who are available 24/7, or you can use the Live Chat feature on https://home-c11.incontact.com/inContact/ChatClient/index.html. The chat is available Monday to Friday 7am-9pm EST.

Webinars

Next, webinars are a great way to educate yourself and also meet new people. If you want to deepen your understanding of caregiver roles, find more practical skills to manage negative emotions, and learn more effective methods to overcome them, for instance, you cannot miss the webinars put on by The Caregiving Association! The webinars are led by Nurse psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers. Check them out here:

Peer Support

Finally, perhaps one of the most important resources to over come mental health challenges, is peer support. Negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression and guilt, happens to caregivers all the time. As a result, you can always find someone who has walked a mile in your shoes, and understands what you are going through. We all face challenges in our caregiving journeys, therefore connecting with other caregivers and sharing feelings and experiences with other caregivers can relieve some of the stress. Some available peer support resources are listed below: 

• Ontario Caregiver Organization Online Caregiver Support Group https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/online-caregiver-support-group-tickets-100295998030
• Young Caregivers Online Support Group https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/young-caregivers-online-support-group-tickets-101926424680

If you have any additional sources of support, please comment below! CareStory would love to share your voice!

REFERENCES:
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/resources-education/mental-health-resources/
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/peer-support/
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/resources-education/
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/resources-education/caregiver-resources/#caring-for-yourself

#THERAPEUTICTHURSDAY, Let’s Talk About Mental Health and Support Resources!

“You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can live well with a mental health condition, as long as you open up to somebody about it.” – Demi Lovato
Every Thursday, CareStory will discuss mental health issues that long-term care and hospice caregivers may face.

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