Support during the COVID-19 pandemic

On-line CBT Skills Groups are now being offered to support patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to Participant FAQ page for questions related to participating in a group. The resources highlighted below are for support related to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Title COVID-19: Managing Stress in this Anxious Time
Source Institute for Disaster Mental Health
Summary Handout which outlines problem focused and emotion focused coping strategies to address stress.
Title FACE COVID – How to Respond Effectively to the Corona Crisis | Video (5:23) or E-book
Source Dr. Russ Harris, psychologist, author of The Happiness Trap
Summary Video and E-book with practical steps based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Title Coping with stress and anxiety during COVID-19
Source CAMH: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Summary Article with practical strategies on coping with stress and anxiety
Title Managing Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak
Source National Centre for PTSD, Veterans Affairs
Summary Handout with strategies for increasing sense of safety, staying connected, cultivating ways to be more calm and improving sense of control and ability to endure
Title Living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty
Source Psychology Tools
Summary CBT Strategies to address worry and anxiety
Title Care For Your Coronavirus Anxiety
Source Shine, partnership with Mental Health America, (community-based, non-profit)
Summary Articles and Toolkit including meditations for coping with anxiety and stress
Title COVID-19 – Manage Anxiety & Stress
Source Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
Summary Article with coping strategies for general public, families and children and first responders
Title Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak
Source World Health Organization (WHO)
Summary Recommendations for specific groups including general population, healthcare workers, caregivers, older adults and quarantined individuals
Title Coronavirus Anxiety Daily Update #1: March 16, 2020 
Source Dr. Jud Brewer, neuropsychiatrist, mindfulness researcher
Summary Video (4:37) explaining anxiety/social contagion and 2 practices for good mental hygiene – deep breathing and grounding
Title Antidote for COVID-19 Induced Anxiety
Source Dr. Jud Brewer, neuropsychiatrist, mindfulness researcher
Summary Video (20:34) explaining anxiety/mindfulness practices
Title Having trouble sleeping? Why anxiety makes sleep worse and 3 things to do (Coronavirus update #8) (6:47)
Source Dr. Jud Brewer, neuropsychiatrist, mindfulness researcher
Summary Video (6:47) discussing sleep hygiene and body scan strategies 
Title What to do if you’re anxious or worried about Coronavirus
Source Anxiety Canada
Summary
Title Mental Health Wellness Tips for Quarantine
Source Dr. Eileen Feliciano, Psy.D Psychologist in NYS 
Summary Practical Tips for Quarantine

Many healthcare workers are on the front lines for managing a COVID-19 outbreak. Whether due to increased job demands, coping with unusual circumstances, and/or fears of contagion to self and others, an outbreak could have a profound impact on mental health and the ability to remain effective in rapidly evolving situations, while increasing the risk of distress, anxiety and burnout. Several resources have been developed specifically to highlight the mental health needs of healthcare workers. The resources below highlight several recommended strategies for healthcare workers including: preparing for heightened demands during an outbreak and monitoring own stress/wellbeing and engaging in self-care/coping strategies (including general tips above) but also: checking in regularly with family/friends/colleagues, pacing work and taking mini-break where possible, avoiding overworking or ignoring personal needs and connecting to a sense of purpose and service.

 

Title Managing Healthcare Workers’ Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak
Source National Centre for PTSD, Veteran Affairs
Summary Article outlining potential sources of stress and strategies for preparedness and self-care

 

Title Sustaining the Well-Being of Healthcare personnel during Coronavirus and Other Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Source Centre for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Summary Article with practical strategies for sustaining healthcare personnel wellbeing

 

Title Caring for Yourself & Others During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Managing Health Care Workers’ Stress | Webinar and Handout
Source The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare
Summary Patricia Watson, PhD discusses ways that healthcare workers can manage stress in context of Covid-19. Overview of Stress First Aid Model which incorporates self-care and peer support.

 

Title Briefing Note on addressing mental health and psychosocial aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak
Source Inter-Agency Standing Committee
Summary Extensive article on mental health and psychosocial responses to COVID-19 and targeted interventions for different groups including older adults, persons with disabilities, children, those in isolation/quarantine and frontline workers.

 

Title Leadership Communication – Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events
Source Centre for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Summary Handout on leadership communication including message development.

 

Title COVID Hub
Source CMPA
Summary Up-to-date medical-legal information, advice and support regarding COVID 19 for physicians

Are you in crisis and need mental health support? Call 310-6789 for emotional support, information, and resources specific to mental health and substance use disorders.

Are you thinking about suicide or concerned about someone at risk? Call 1-800-784-2433.

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