Below are tools which can help people cope with their mental well-being during times of stress, such as COVID-19.
Stress can be defined as the physical, behavioural and mental responses we have to perceived threat of our safety and well-being. While stress, in smaller doses, allow us to become more focused and attuned to things around us, stress in higher doses or for prolonged periods can be counterproductive to our daily routines and relationships. Adults and children alike can become overly sensitive and reactive in times of heightened stress. Social emotional competencies can help us regain an improved sense of calm, of ‘team’, and certain aspects of control.
Click here: SEL in Times of Stress – COVID-19
Pandemics, like COVID-19, challenge the way people cope. During a pandemic it’s not uncommon to experience strong emotions. Psychology helps us to understand normal responses to abnormal events – this can help Albertans cope. Novel & unfamiliar threats provoke anxiety & even unrealistic fears & racism. Social distancing, effective communication, & public health measures are realistic lines of defense.
Click here: 2020 March PAA Psychological Health in Pandemics
403.266.HELP (4357)
Click here to access the website
The Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) has provided 24 hour crisis support in Calgary and southern Alberta since 1970. They do this through their 24 hour crisis line, email, daily chat, and daily text for our youth. They also have professional counselling for clients with issues that cannot be resolved over the phone. If you need help finding a social, community or government service, 211 is available by phone and online chat. Their Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) program serves Calgarians experiencing homelessness out of the Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe). All their services are free.
Dial 2-1-1 or call toll-free 1-888-482-4696 (Edmonton & Northern Alberta), 1-855-266-1605 (Calgary, Central & Southern Alberta)
Click here to access the website
11 is a helpline and online database of Alberta’s community and social services. 211 is answered and updated by highly-trained specialists.
A graphic illustration created by John Rattrey and Jon Horner about the Neurosequential Model concepts and skateboarding