Health and Social Services

Mental Wellness and COVID 19

 

The COVID 19 pandemic is impacting Indigenous communities in many ways. Whether or not there are cases in or close to their community, people may find themselves experiencing distress, anxiety, and uncertainty. People who are at higher risk may experience more severe mental health impacts. These are understandable reactions and there are mental wellness supports available to help.

 

Supporting mental wellness during and after the COVID 19 pandemic is an essential service. There is a wide range of virtual resources available to help Indigenous communities with their mental wellness. Support is available to help people cope with anxiety related to the pandemic itself as well as with stress from trying to balance cultural values with public health measures, losing a job, being at home, isolation, physical distancing, family conflict, problematic substance use, and many other issues. Counselling, cultural supports, and other forms of treatment are available through telehealth and on-line platforms.

 

It is important that Indigenous communities have easy and fast access to trustworthy, factual, and effective resources to support their mental wellness during this challenging time. New on-line mental wellness resources related to COVID 19 are being launched daily, which has led to an overwhelming amount of information. Below is a snapshot of current examples of resources developed for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations. These lists will be updated as more resources are identified and become available.

 

Crisis Lines

 

Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate, culturally safe, telephone crisis intervention, 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

 

Phone: 1-855-242-3310

 

Kids Help Phone is supporting youth 24/7 and through a partnership with We Matter, supporting Indigenous youth through text, phone and linking with youth programs. They have also developed a variety of resources related to COVID 19 among other topics.

 

Phone: 1-800-668-6868

 

Indigenous Services Canada

 

Indigenous Services Canada’s Community Guide on Accessing Additional Supports provides an overview of additional supports for communities related to the COVID 19 pandemic.

 

NIHB Mental Health Counselling continues to be available and is being delivered via telehealth platforms. Check out this website for more information.

 

Mental Wellness Teams continue to support communities in a variety of ways, including on-line and over the phone. In some regions, face-to-face meetings are still possible, but limited to emergencies only.

 

 

IRS Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP) and support for those affected by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) continue to be available. IRS RHSP and MMIWG workers are following public health guidelines and mainly providing services virtually and by phone. Professional counselling for eligible IRS and MMIWG clients is also available at this time and can be provided virtually or by phone.

 

 

Most federally-funded Treatment Centres have closed, but in some cases, counselling staff are reaching out to clients over the phone and on-line. Some centres are also exploring on-line options for aftercare and some have been providing care hampers to past clients, elders, and low income community members. Check with treatment centres to find out more. Treatment centres are also being supported by Thunderbird Partnership Foundation.

 

OAT Sites are working with the medical professionals affiliated with their programs to make sure clients have continued access.

 

Jordan’s Principle – Services continue during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Inuit Child First Initiative - Services continue during the COVID 19 pandemic.

 

Ending Violence Against Women

 

Ending Violence Against Women Live Chat and Linkages provides direct support services to aid in the prevention of and healing from abusive relationships by offering: Support, safety, referral services, transportation assistance, information, discrete follow up contact and advocacy within the system.

 

The live chat features offers women of all ages to connect immediately in a crisis situation by seeking help. Other options for the chat is to obtain information, chat or just to check in discreetly.

 

Live Chat – Immediate access with built in safety features!

 

Jordan's Principle

 

 

 

Gambling Info