The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), founded in 1918, is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in Canada. Each year, we provide direct […]Continue readingAbout CMHA
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Our vision defines the overall outcome that we are working towards. Our mission describes our purpose and unique contribution. Our values are the […]Continue readingOur Vision, Mission and Values
As the cold and snow of winter sinks in, Ontarians may find themselves lacking energy as the days grow shorter.
Research in Ontario suggests that 15 per cent of the general population have experienced the winter blues, which can include changes in appetite and lethargy. The winter blues differs from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which affects about two per cent of the population and is a serious form of depression.
Here are a few tips to help kick the winter blues:
• Enjoy time spent doing your favourite outdoor activity. Spend more time outdoors during the day and arrange indoor environments to receive maximum sunlight. Trim tree branches that block light, for example and keep curtains open during the day. Move furniture to sit near a window.
• Try something new. While we’re being advised to continue to participate in physical distancing, it’s important to stay mentally healthy while maintaining a physical distance. Starting a new blog, watching a new television show or listening to a new podcast are just a few of the many ways to stay mentally healthy while physically distancing.
• Take a walk at one of the city’s trails. Exercise relieves stress, builds energy and increases mental and physical well-being. Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk. The activity and increased exposure to natural light can raise spirits.
• Make a colourful meal. Healthy eating has been shown to benefit mental as well as physical health. Be sure to incorporate fruits and vegetables in daily eating habits.
• Reach out for help. To anyone struggling with mental health and addiction at this time, please reach out. Help is always available and CMHA is here with our programs and services. #CMHA #FortFrances #WinterBlues #WeAreAllInThisTogether #MentalHealthCMHA- Fort Frances branch remains open, and able to provide modified services during the current Ontario lockdown and State of Emergency. We are doing the best that we can with the guidelines that we have been given for being considered an “essential service”. Here is some information for you to go over, as well as our website and phone number and some other helpful resources that you can access:
On January 12, 2021, the Ontario government announced a second provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This second emergency declaration is in response to the latest modelling data (details below) that shows if current trends of infection spread continue, Ontario’s hospital ICUs will be overwhelmed in a few short weeks putting lives at risk. Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 the government is issuing a “stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with certain exceptions.
KEY MESSAGES – TOP LEVEL
·While tightening public health restrictions is necessary, we know that in doing so the mental health of people in our community will be impacted, particularly at this time of year.
·Further measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 may increase isolation and loneliness for many, which could worsen stress, worry, or symptoms of depression and anxiety.
·We also know that substance use has increased during the pandemic and could continue to increase at this time.
·We want people to know that CMHA is here for you. As an essential service, we’ve been innovative from the very beginning of this pandemic and have shifted many programs to virtual where possible. Where in-person service is necessary, we’ve implemented the proper safety protocols.
·If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health at this time, we encourage you to reach out to us.
oVisit our website at fortfrances.cmha.ca/ or call us at 807 274 2347
-Crisis Response line 1 866 888 8988, Warm line 1 888 777 0979
·If your mood is low, you’re living with mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry, then we encourage you to look into CMHA’s BounceBack program at bouncebackontario.ca
·BounceBack is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, it provides tools that will support your mental wellness.
LATEST MEASURES / RESTRICTIONS
Below is a summary of the government’s latest restrictions:
•Community mental health and addictions sector is deemed an essential service and the current public health measures do not change this status.
Ontario’s Second Emergency Declaration
•Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.
•This order and other new and existing public health restrictions are aimed at limiting people's mobility and reducing the number of daily contacts with those outside an immediate household.
•In addition to limiting outings to essential trips, all businesses must ensure that any employee who can work from home, does work from home.
•The emergency orders currently in force will remain in effect until January 20, 2021. However, the orders can be extended for up to 30 days at a time.
Additional Public Health Restrictions
The Ontario government will enact the following additional public health measures:
•Outdoor organized public gatherings and social gatherings are further restricted to a limit of five people with limited exceptions. This is consistent with the rules during the lockdown during the first wave of COVID-19 in spring 2020 and will allow individuals and families to enjoy time outdoors safely.
•Individuals are required to wear a mask or face covering in the indoor areas of businesses or organizations that are open. Wearing a mask or face covering is now recommended outdoors when you can't physically distance more than two metres.
•All non-essential retail stores, including hardware stores, alcohol retailers, and those offering curbside pickup or delivery, must open no earlier than 7 a.m. and close no later than 8 p.m. The restricted hours of operation do not apply to stores that primarily sell food, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants for takeout or delivery.
•Non-essential construction is further restricted, including below-grade construction, exempting survey.
For more information you can visit www.ctvnews.caCTV News | Canada News | Top Stories
www.ctvnews.ca
Canadian news, COVID-19 news and headlines from around the world. Live breaking news, national news, sports, business, entertainment, health, politics and more from CTVNews.ca. Watch breaking news vid...JOB OPPORTUNITIES!
Do you want to join our amazing team? We have a couple of positions for you to look at. Read them over, and take a look. The information is listed at the end of each description on how to apply. Good luck!