CMHA Providing Advice During Social Distancing

Tuesday, 17 March 2020 at 08:48

Self isolation, social distancing and the overall panic that is ensuing right now can trigger your mental health. CMHA Oxford doors are still open for individuals to access Crisis and Outreach support in person as well as 24/7 support over the phone and online.

OXFORD COUNTY - Social isolation can increase anxiety and depression symptoms, making it difficult to manage your mental wellness at this time of uncertainty.

Registered Social Worker with CMHA Oxford Marissa Gale offers this advice.

"It is things like eating well, make sure you are drinking water, exercising when you can, maybe not at the gym but exercising at home, going up and down the stairs at home, anything that can help get rid of some of that anxious energy at least. On top of that, there are a number of great mental health services that you can access at home."

The Canadian Mental Health Association Oxford is encouraging people to use their crisis and outreach hot line while some mental health services have been cancelled or limited.

Reach Out is a 24 hour, 7 day a week service available for those experiencing distress. The number to call is 1-866-933-2023. or online at reachout247.ca

Gale says the Province also offers a lot of great online resources too.

"One of them is called Big White Wall, it's all online, they have trained professionals who monitor the site 24/7, there is really cool tricks and tips and coping strategies that you can do from the comfort of your home, as well as a forum where you can chat with other people who are really struggling as well."

She adds you want to make sure you are getting your information from reliable sources and for some people it might be a good idea to limit your access to social media.

CMHA Oxford doors are still open for individuals to access Crisis and Outreach support in person as well as 24/7 support over the phone and online. The Oxford Self Help drop in center is closed and group programming is on hold at this time.