BounceBack coming to P.E.I.

Program from CMHA to help Islanders manage their mental health

BounceBack, a free, guided self-help program aimed at helping adults and youth aged 15 and older manage their mental health, is being introduced to P.E.I. by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) P.E.I.

The customizable program will help those using it manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry and is being brought to the Island following a donation from Bell Let’s Talk.

Noting that the mental health impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) will last long after the pandemic is over, CMHA P.E.I. is thrilled to bring the program east, executive director Treena Smith said in a statement.

"BounceBack can help people build important coping skills and better adapt to the challenges we’re all facing.”

Through telephone coaching and a selection of skillbuilding workbooks to choose from, participants can customize their own program, learn ways to overcome their symptoms and improve their mental well-being now and in future. Based on cognitive behavioural therapy, BounceBack has been shown to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms by 50 per cent at program completion.

Available in English and French, the program is free to all participants and will be delivered by coaches who are extensively trained and overseen by clinical psychologists. Participants can be referred by a primary care provider or choose to self-refer as long as they’re connected with a primary care provider.

Atlantic Canadians interested in registering for the program can visit www. bounceback.cmha.ca.