Hope for good things…
How to Feel Better…
Your social distancing reminder of the week…
…courtesy of the Monty Python Ministry of Silly Walks! Brought to you by CBC news and John Cleese (via Twitter).
In a park in Ottawa ( Probably Canada, although there’s no ’Sorry’ at the end ) pic.twitter.com/J6Hp48eYzh
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) April 9, 2020
Managing Stress, Anxiety & Depression…
Hey everyone, here is the link to the Province of BC webpage all about Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety & Depression. There are 5 strategies recommended to help people cope and support one another:
- Know the Facts
- Reach Out
- Have Calm Conversation
- Practice Self-Care
- Seek Help
The website also has great resources available and linked with each strategy. Check it out!
Updated Hospital Visit Guidelines…
Hey everyone, the Ministry of Health has issued updated guidance about essential visits to support individuals with disabilities while in the hospital. If a visit is deemed “essential,” then it is permitted.
CLBC has released an update bulletin summarizing the information, with a link to the full document. Check it out, and please pass along.
—UPDATE: June 1, 2020—
There is a plain language summary now available from CLBC.
Golden Rules…
Mental health resources from WorkSafeBC
Hey everyone, you might have read that the Province has posted BC’s Restart Plan, and it talks about a safe re-start with WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC has a page dedicated to return to safe operations. On their page, they have a great list of resources geared to support mental health in the workplace:
- COVID-19 Psychological First Aid Service: Information and Signup (British Columbia Psychological Association) – Free virtual counselling provided by registered psychologists.
- COVID-19: Staying Well In Uncertain Times (Canadian Mental Health Association – B.C.) – Tips and information on how to reduce and manage anxiety in the workplace due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety and Depression (Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions) – Tips and resources on things we can do as individuals and collectively to deal with stress and support one another during these challenging times.
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak (World Health Organization) – These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Use as messages targeting different groups to support for mental and psychosocial well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.
- Mental Health and COVID-10 (Conference Board of Canada) – Videos on different aspects of mental health, including coping with anxiety, job loss, and dealing with isolation.
- Taking Care of Your Mental Health (COVID-19) (Public Health Agency of Canada) – Tips and resources for taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Feel free to share with others!
BC’s Restart Plan
Hey everyone, the Province has posted BC’s Restart Plan to their website. As well as having great resources, it talks about:
- Protective measures we’ve taken in B.C. have made a difference
- The next stage of our challenge
- How we’ll keep transmission low
- How we’ll start getting people back to work (including details on “Phases 1 to 4”)
- Some next steps to make life a little easier
- How we’ll keep taking care of each other
- The little things make a big difference
You can also download the plan as a PDF. Check it out!
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scams
Hey everyone, the Government of Canada is warning against Coronavirus (COVID-19) scams:
| As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, protect yourself and beware of associated scams. Fraudsters want to profit from consumers’ fears, uncertainties and misinformation. Turn to trusted resources and advice for health, financial and security resources. Full details can be found here |
Be aware of what information you provide, who you are providing it to, and why you need to provide it. If you aren’t sure of “the facts”, you can ask lots of questions and you can talk it over with someone you trust before you decide what to do!
Stay safe, and stay healthy.
Free webinar TODAY: Community Living in Isolation
Hey everyone, there is a free webinar later today called “Community Living in Isolation: Responding to COVID-19.” You can check out details and register here.
This webinar is presented in partnership with CLBC and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA). Panelists will be considering what Community Living looks like in a pandemic, when access to community is limited, and also discussing how the Community Living and housing sectors are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
