Preparing for winter- locating mental health support
Many folks experience increased anxiety and depression leading up to the holidays and through the darker days of winter. With Covid this year, I'm taking some extra time to check in with each person I have worked with in the past year to ensure that they are connected to the supports that I offer or through the community. For my clients, I am sharing information about my services (and what to expect with ongoing Covid safety precautions) and I am telling them about my new online course offered through the online platform Thinkific. I’m also sharing other community resources that they can connect with if ongoing counselling isn’t what they are looking for at this time.
In our community, Guelph/Wellington, Family Counselling & Support offers sliding scale walk-in counselling that is also available virtually: https://familyserviceguelph.on.ca/ and for us, Here 24/7 is a really important support offered through our local CMHA: https://here247.ca/ that offers crisis support and connection to specialized mental health programs. Many services, even through local agencies, is being delivered virtually right now to keep everyone safe.
Throughout Ontario, the Government has partnered with Mind Beacon to deliver online iCBT (it's free) and you can check it out here: (https://www.mindbeacon.com/)There are a variety of online counselling options and supports available depending on where you live. Certain platforms like Better Help (https://www.betterhelp.com/about/) and TalkSpace (talkspace.com) are widely available. Additionally, many counsellors and therapists in private practice, (like me) are continuing to offer virtual support through secure web platforms. Some of my friends and family have asked how to know whether or not to go with a large platform for virtual therapy, or to choose a person like me who is in a solo private practice and offering online options. Next time I will review some ways to choose a counsellor or counselling service. A lot is going to depend on who you are, where you are, and what you’re looking for!
Some counsellors have been able to move some sessions back into the office with increased physical distancing and safety precautions like enhanced cleaning, symptom screening, and ventilation. If your therapist is offering in-person appointments they are likely considering the risks and benefits of offering that and taking a variety of steps to keep safe. If you’re worried, ask about how they have adapted to Covid. And ultimately, if you aren’t comfortable returning to the in-office setting, try out a virtual option. If video isn’t for you, consider a secure messaging format or phone counselling.
I am also aware of so many other helping professionals who are brainstorming and coming up with new ways to support their clients and communities- things like online groups, trainings, e-books, podcasts, zoom interviews, and social media events. As humans we need to connect. Winter is throwing us a curve ball as we navigate Covid, cold weather, and the holidays… by coming together in creative ways, in online spaces and in new ways in our communities, we can figure it out.
The reason for writing this today is to remind folks to plan for the changes that are coming and also to share where help is available- because it is out there if you need it- even if finding it can be a bit (or a lot) overwhelming!