In the wake of COVID-19, Canadians are facing a new reality of social distancing, self-quarantining and isolation in order to protect public health and safety. These new circumstances may lead individuals with mental health concerns into heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression. In what may be a difficult time for many, the Canadian Mental Health […]Continue readingTips to manage mental health during COVID-19
To slow the spread of COVID-19, the main recommendation from government and health officials for the immediate future is “social distancing. For individuals with mental health concerns who have a tendency to socially isolate themselves already, it’s important to understand that social distancing doesn’t mean to cut yourself off from connection. Rather, physically distancing yourself […]Continue readingUnderstanding social distancing and the importance of social connection
In an abundance of caution amid public concern related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division’s office is now closed while its staff continues to work from home. The health and safety of CMHA clients and staff remains our priority as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and find the […]Continue readingCMHA Ontario office closed as precaution during COVID-19 pandemic
(Toronto, March 13, 2020) – Amid public concerns of the developing COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) experts are reminding individuals with exacerbated anxiety and depression symptoms of how to manage their mental wellness at this time of uncertainty. CMHA York and South Simcoe’s CEO Rebecca Shields and clinical director Dr. Deanne Simms offer […]Continue readingCMHA offers tips to support mental health amid concerns of COVID-19 pandemic
Ahead of the Ontario government’s 2020 budget unveiling, the provincial Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs has included a number of Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division’s recommendations in a report to the legislature. The committee’s Pre-Budget Consultation 2020 report summarizes key recommendations made by agencies and individuals from around the province on how […]Continue readingPre-budget consultation report highlights CMHA Ontario recommendations
Reducing wait times and investing $20 million in publicly-funded cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for Ontarians are just a few of the highlights of the government’s newly released Roadmap to Wellness: A Plan to Build Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions System. Health Minister Christine Elliott unveiled the roadmap at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences […]Continue readingRoadmap to Wellness calls for more CBT, tackling wait times
The effectiveness of the provincial government’s newly announced mental health and addictions strategy – Roadmap to Wellness: A Plan to Build Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions System – hinges on significant investment in front-line service delivery, says a coalition of Ontario’s leading mental health and addictions organizations including CMHA Ontario. Read the coalition’s statement.Continue reading$380 million/year needed to support new mental health, addictions strategy
This year’s provincial budget, which drops March 25th, will be watched particularly closely by the mental health and addictions community as it comes three weeks after the government released its new strategy to improve mental health and addictions services in Ontario. CMHA is hopeful for significant investment in community-based programming as a way to relieve […]Continue readingExpectation high for March 25 provincial budget
There is value in creating safe spaces to consume and access legal cannabis, states CMHA Ontario in its latest round of feedback to government as the province continues to explore an open market system for the drug. CMHA Ontario’s recommendations are in response to the province’s public consultation process on the benefits and risks of […]Continue readingCMHA Ontario gives feedback to Ontario government on cannabis establishments
The Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH)’s new Campus Peer Support Toolkit is an online guide designed to help implement and operate peer support programs on post-secondary campuses. The toolkit is a guide for campus staff and administrators and provides tips and recommendations on: Preparing for a peer support program and making the […]Continue readingCentre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health launches new campus peer support toolkit