FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, March 15, 2021) – As we mark the one-year anniversary of the province’s COVID-19 emergency declaration, a new survey is highlighting alarming trends that indicate the pandemic’s strain on the mental health of Ontarians has reached all-time highs. The latest polling data commissioned by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division shows that only a third of Ontarians (35 per cent) consider their current state of mental health as ‘very good’

Although many of us have not had access to the COVID-19 vaccine yet, it’s important to get informed so you are ready when the time comes. Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions regarding the vaccine, along with answers from reliable and trustworthy sources. Why should I get the vaccine? Vaccination is the only way to end the pandemic. Vaccines prevent illness and disease, and save lives. COVID-19 can cause

New nationwide survey finds Ontarians’ mental health eroding The second wave of the pandemic has intensified feelings of stress and anxiety, causing alarming levels of despair, suicidal thoughts and hopelessness in the Ontario population. This, according to the newest wave of data collected through a nationwide monitoring survey on the mental health impacts of COVID-19, released today by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in partnership with UBC researchers. Most people in Ontario (75%) indicate they’re worried

“We’re in a very difficult time, it presents a wonderful opportunity to be creative, put family and friendship first, and celebrate the good things we have. During this once-in-a-generation moment, it’s an act of love to keep your friends and families safe—for as long as it takes.” ~ Richard C. Wender, MD There’s no place like home for the holidays, especially this year. The Ontario Government has recently recommended that all Ontarians spend the holidays with only those inside

With the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among us, we thought we’d compile a list of our best resources to help you through this difficult time. Please also check out our blog for more articles and resources that might assist you. Services and Supports CMHA York Region and South Simcoe Programs Page We understand your situation is as unique as you are which is why we offer a variety of community based mental health services in

As Ontario’s economy gradually re-opens during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new toolkit is now available to support employers and employees in navigating the mental health implications of returning to physical workplaces. Developed by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division, in partnership with Mental Health Works and BounceBack Ontario, Return to the workplace: A psychological toolkit for heading back to work aims to serve employees and employers across a variety of sectors. This toolkit provides guidance on

Right now, many of us are worried about others. Now more than ever, we need effective skills to watch over our friends, family, and co-workers and keep them safe. LivingWorks Start is a simple, powerful online training program to help us recognize the signs of suicide and take meaningful action to protect others. To help reach more people with these life-saving skills, LivingWorks is offering this program at a reduced cost and is donating 25% of

The Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region & South Simcoe, is taking the COVID-19 situation extremely seriously, and the health and safety of our clients, staff and the community is our first priority.  We are doing our best to serve you during this time, and have many innovative services in place to support you. These include: BounceBack- Free Online and Virtual Mental Health Supports Telephone-Based Supportive Counselling- Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A new national survey from the Canadian Mental Health Association and UBC exposes troubling pandemic mental health vulnerabilities across various groups. The pandemic has caused intense stress and disruption for all people in Canada, and is causing pronounced mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts and feelings, in various subgroups of the population, including parents, those with existing mental illness or mental health issues, Indigenous people and those with a disability or who identify as LGBTQ+. This is according to

On the 2 April, the Ontario government just announced additional support of online and virtual mental health supports, including our BounceBack program. This program is offered free of charge to help people build skills to manage mild to moderate anxiety, stress and other mental health challenges associated with this pandemic. What is BounceBack? BounceBack is a coach-supported, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based self-help program designed to help people 15 years of age and older experiencing symptoms of anxiety, low

Here at CMHA, we know that these are uncertain times, and that you and those you care about may be feeling increased levels of worry or anxiety. Beginning today, we have redeployed staff to provide telephone-based supportive counselling to our community, to support people experiencing higher level of stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 and the impact that adapting to new social circumstances is having on their daily lives. This service will be available Monday to

Although the long weekend will look different this year, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Check out these cool activity ideas to help you keep busy, while making memories. Build a Blanket Fort As a kid you probably remember collecting all the blankets you had in your house, then draping them over chairs and couches until you created a space that was uniquely your own. Why not try and build one with your

As more details emerge about the psychological impact of COVID-19, CMHA York Region and South Simcoe is encouraging anyone who is struggling with mental health and addictions issues at this time to reach out and seek help. The call comes as new provincial data this week showed that far fewer people with a mental health condition have been seeking formal supports since the crisis began. In the first of three polls by Pollara Strategic Insights

Learn How to Build a LEGO Dinosaur Make your very own LEGO dinosaur by following these instructions. Although our dinosaur is green feel free to make it your own. This activity is not just for kids either, some scientists have shown that LEGO can be a good mindfulness activity for adults as well, so feel free to channel your inner child.

During this time when you’re not only being a parent, but also perhaps working and being a teacher as well, it can feel a little overwhelming. Although it can be tough when you’re in the thick of it, remember this won’t last forever. However, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you during this time. Acknowledge the Difficulty First things first, it’s important to acknowledge that this is a difficult time. Helping your child

A vision board is a physical representation of a goal or goals that you’re aiming to achieve. It helps to kick start your imagination and visualize these goals. It can be done either electronically or with good old fashioned paper and tape! In this post we will show you how to make a vision board using traditional methods or virtually. During this difficult time create a vision board to showcase your goals after physical distancing

Whether you’re working in the medical field or retail location, are a truck driver or postal delivery worker or are filling any other essential positions during this pandemic, your mental health should be one of your top priorities. To help you during this difficult time, we have compiled a list of essential tips and resources, that can help you as we move through COVID-19 and beyond. Thank You First off, thank you for all that

When we face times of uncertainty and anxiety, we often feel as though we are spinning out of control, things that we were once able to manage, suddenly feel impossible to face.  When we realize that we are feeling powerless, or unable to cope with feelings of stress and anxiety, it is essential that we take the time to slow down, and acknowledge these feelings.  As common quote that might be applied, is “the best

Introducing CMHA York Region and South Simcoe’s first Happiness Playlist. Filled with feel-good tunes to help elevate your mood, while getting you moving and grooving!  Enjoy! On YouTube On Spotify

Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division’s BounceBack program has developed a mental health tip sheet to support those who may be experiencing heightened mental health challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tip sheet, titled 10 things you can do right now to reduce anxiety, stress, worry related to COVID-19, offers 10 quick and easy things anyone can do to alleviate mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression at a time when these difficulties may be exacerbated. Tips

Loss is one of life’s most stressful events. It takes time to heal, and everyone responds differently. We may need help to cope with the changes in our lives. Grief is part of being human, but that doesn’t mean we have to go through the journey alone. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing many of us to change the way we go about our daily lives. With those changes, some of us are experiencing a wave

Have you ever been in a situation where you were so worried about something, that suddenly you noticed you aren’t as hungry as you used to be? Did this lack of eating then start to turn into stomachaches, headaches and muscle pain? A lot of times people don’t even realize how much they’ve been worrying until they start experiencing physical symptoms such as these, with some not even recognizing that these ailments are a result

During the pandemic, some of us may feel disheartened, as we are no longer able to celebrate special occasions and spend time with family. It can also be difficult to know if it’s okay to celebrate and find joy in this tough time. On top of religious holidays, you might also have children who are finding it hard to understand why you’ve had to cancel their birthday party with all of their friends, a parent

During this time of physical distancing, living with someone with mental illness can be isolating and tiring, especially when respite care is not an option or when you’re the sole caregiver. Drawing on the knowledge of Case Managers and Program Coordinators here at CMHA, we have collected a list of tips and resources that will help you cope during this difficult time and avoid burnout. Acknowledge Feelings Everyone responds differently to the effects of a

Here at CMHA, we’ve been talking a lot about the phrase ‘social distancing’, which has suddenly become part of our vocabulary. We think that ‘social distancing’ sends the wrong message and is, in fact, the opposite of what we want people to do. It suggests we should be turning inward and closing ourselves off from friends and neighbours in the outside world. However, we all need social connections to thrive during these uncertain times. Recently,

This list includes important fact and information sheets from reliable sources. Some of these resources are also available in multiple languages.  Public Health Agency of Canada- Know the Difference: Self-Monitoring, Self-Isolation, and Isolation for COVID-19 Government of Ontario-The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Includes information sheets in various languages) Government of Canada- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses COVID-19 Identifying the Symptoms (Identifying the difference between COVID-19, the flu and a cold) Public Health

Looking for an activity to get your mind off difficult things? Want to keep your kids busy while they are not in school? We have compiled a list of activities to keep you busy while you’re at home.  Travel the World from Your Couch Have your travel plans been cancelled because of COVID-19? Having difficulty keeping the kids occupied? Luckily for you, there are tons of museums, monuments, zoos, space stations and other interesting locations

Signs of Support was a CMHA York Region and South Simcoe initiative that encourages people to share positive messages of encourage and connection on social media in order to build hope during COVID-19. When we started this project, we had no idea how far it would reach (from B.C. to Newfoundland) and are so grateful to everyone who participated. Thanks for your support and let's keep building each other up during this difficult time. News

Check out this video on how to manage stress and anxiety during challenging times. Developed and narrated by qualified mental health practitioners.

This morning Sarah Morgan-Ella, our Clinical Lead for the Southwest ACT Team, was interviewed by Jim Lang from 105.9 FM The Region about her tips for coping with anxiety during these unpredictable times. Here were her top tips: Acknowledge your anxiety and show yourself compassion It’s understandable that you’re feeling anxious during this time. Bring awareness to those emotions, show yourself compassion and share your thoughts with those you love and trust. Watch where you’re getting your

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many of you have probably been instructed to work from home. If this is something that you are not used to, the transition could be a bit challenging. Luckily for you, this article is filled with tips on how to work from home effectively. Adopting an Attitude of ‘How Fascinating’ rather than ‘How Frustrating’ While you start out in this new way of working, you might hit some technological, as well

With all the information circulating around about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s no wonder that some are reporting feeling a little overwhelmed. Fear and anxiety are completely natural because as humans, we are hardwired with these emotions that help protect ourselves from danger. Here at CMHA we are taking COVID-19 seriously by staying up to date on recent advancements, as well as taking all necessary precautions to protect the health of our employees and those we

Psychologist Deanne Simms joins CTV News Channel to discuss the mental health implications of the coronavirus outbreak. Watch the video now

Have your travel plans been cancelled because of COVID-19? Having difficulty keeping the kids occupied? Luckily for you, there are tons of museums, monuments, zoos, space stations and other interesting locations that are providing free virtual tours and live cams so you can travel the world all from the comfort of your own home.  Where will you visit today? Animals Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Explore Live Cams Ripley’s Aquarium Shark Camera Polar Bears