MENTAL HEALTH
RESOURCES AND OUTREACH
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call 911. You can also call the First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNHIB) Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention. Chat is available in the following languages: English, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.
You can also connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
Wellness in Indigenous communities and cultures is about being in balance and harmony. It is about being connected to family, community and nature. Within Indigenous communities, health is about the whole person. It is about mind, emotions, body and spirit. There are a variety of services available for Indigenous children and youth in Ontario. Some community services are culture-based specifically for Indigenous peoples. Others are mainstream services offered to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
See below for more information on services and programs available to you during this time.
CAMH: Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
The effort to address COVID-19 is both extremely important for us all and poses a range of challenges on individuals and families as they respond to the demands of the situation. The situation is stressful for everyone and it is normal to be anxious and worried. This site is designed to provide information and suggestions about how best to cope in this difficult time.
Mental Health Considerations during the COVID-19 Outbreak
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
Kids Help Phone: Supporting First Nations Youth and Communities
Presentation to First Nations Leadership - June 4, 2020
Kids Help Phone is a Canadian and world leader, known for our expertise and continuous innovation as Canada’s only 24/7, bilingual professional counselling, information and support service for young people.
MENTAL WELLNESS DURING COVID-19 FOR COMMUNITIES
COVID-19 has created a lot of uncertainty and changing circumstances that makes for very difficult times in First Nation communities.
MENTAL WELLNESS DURING COVID-19 FOR FAMILIES
In First Nations culture, our children are our future and we all take care of the children. They are always close and we often teach them by modeling. When we connect in this way with our children, we create a sense of hope, belonging, meaning and purpose.
MENTAL WELLNESS DURING COVID-19 FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Helpers are an important part of First Nation communities. This is not always the medically trained helpers. There are spiritual helpers, medicine people and many other natural helpers that are using their skills to help community through this difficult time.
MENTAL WELLNESS DURING COVID-19 FOR ELDERS
In First Nations culture, our Elders carry our stories and traditions. Elders are a connection to our history and we need keep them safe.