Taking care of our mental health has become more important than ever during the pandemic, as stress and anxiety have increased with COVID-19 threatening lives and livelihoods.
One in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Before the pandemic, 1.6 million Canadians reported they had unmet mental health-care needs and the CMHA reports that those who were already struggling were twice as likely to say their mental health has declined.
The CMHA and Global Okanagan are providing mental health tips you can use to better cope with stress and anxiety during these difficult times as part of a one-day online fundraiser for the CMHA on Monday, Sept. 21.
Money raised will go to CMHA programs and services across the Okanagan.
Mental Health Monday tips:
The Interior Crisis Line Network supports people in the Interior region of B.C.
It has experienced a 30 per cent increase in call volume since the beginning of the pandemic and is working to meet growing demand. To do that, it has brought in a new phone system.
Taking care of ourselves, physical activity, sleep and healthy eating are crucial to maintaining mental health and adding foods that are rich with omega-3, such as nuts or avocado, is important.
Be sure to put on your walking shoes and get moving at least once a day to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and improve your mood.
Who we surround ourselves with has an effect on our mental health so creating connections with the right people is important.
During the pandemic, you can create connections safely and following social-distancing guidelines by playing a sport such as croquet or having a picnic.
You can also pick up the phone and have a conversation with a friend or family member if you are feeling blue.
Manage stress anxiety during the pandemic by managing what we can control and accepting what we cannot control.
Things we can control are wearing a mask, practising social distancing and you can decide when you go outside. But we cannot control the spread of COVID-19.