A checklist for mental well-being over winter

With winter coming and a return to normal life a distant hope, local mental health advocates came together Friday for a conversation at the behest of Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“For all those who might continue to hold on to stigma associated with mental health and well-being, now is certainly the time to let that go,” Dilkens said at the outset of the Zoom online discussion.

“As a community and as individuals, we need to be mindful of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all of us — and work together to take the steps necessary to address these challenges.

“Above all, never be shy about asking for help.”

Joining Dilkens were Janice Kaffer, president and CEO of Hotel-dieu Grace Healthcare, Claudia den Boer, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor Essex County, Joyce Zuk, executive director of Family Services Windsor-essex and Karen Waddell, executive director of House of Sophrosyne.

Kaffer said there isn't anyone who hasn't been somehow affected mentally by the pandemic. “I think in many ways we have learned that all of us struggle,” Kaffer said.

“I've put out there on social media that I find myself crying a lot more.”

At the CMHA, den Boer said there is statistical evidence of the impact of COVID-19 revealed in a national survey released in September.

“Forty-seven per cent of health-care workers are feeling anxious and overwhelmed and helpless,” den Boer said.

“I think these are important realities we are dealing with in our own community.”

The study also revealed that 38 per cent of Canadians say their mental health has declined due to COVID-19, 46 per cent feel anxious or worried and 14 per cent are having trouble coping.

Also, six per cent of respondents admitted to having new suicidal thoughts and two per cent attempted to harm themselves as a result of COVID-19.

Zuk said her agency often gets calls from people with concerns such as financial problems, but they are able to point the caller in the right direction.

“Sometimes we are not the right agency,” Zuk said.

“We want folks to reach out. If you're feeling low, I don't know if I want to call, I don't know if my issue is serious enough, don't question it, because we need people to keep talking, we need them to reach out, we need to stay connected.”

After the session the city released a checklist to help get through the winter successfully:

■ Check in on loved ones and friends;

■ If you are a parent, guardian or caretaker, take note to monitor your own condition as well as the condition of those in your care;

■ Establish healthy patterns and focus on activities that bring you happiness;

■ Create a “winter checklist” of local activities, and even household chores, that require your attention;

■ Take small daily actions, such as a family walk after dinner, regardless of temperature, to remain active;

■ Plan short and frequent phone calls or video chats with friends and family;

■ Plan for post-pandemic life, for example, planning what your next trip or holiday might be after this crisis has passed; and

■ Seek out advice from experts if you are feeling symptoms of depression, anxiety or hopelessness.

For those seeking help, a list of phone numbers and online contact information can be found at windsorstar.com.