Canada Is Offering Free Mental Health Support To Help With Anxiety & Depression

A new study from Mental Health Research Canada has found that COVID-19 is affecting Canadians’ mental health significantly right now.

In a new tweet, Health Canada revealed that “anxiety and depression among Canadians are at their highest” due to the ongoing pandemic.

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Wellness Together Canada

However, the federal agency reminded Canadians that free and confidential support is available via Wellness Together Canada.

The website allows Canadians to access federally-funded mental health support, resources and counselling. Free and totally private substance-use support is also available.

When using the services, Canadians will be able to access instant support via various platforms, including text or online. One-on-one professional counselling via phone, text or video-chat and youth-specific help is available, too.

Mental health resources

Earlier this year, the prime minister spoke out about mental health and urged Canadians to consider accessing Canada’s Wellness Together portal.

It’s not the only free service out there though, as several provinces have support resources of their own.

For example, the University of Toronto has a free course that offers to help manage your anxiety during the pandemic.

In B.C., post-secondary students can access free 24/7 counselling online via Here2Talk.

Starling Minds is another Canada-wide online mental health platform that offers free and confidential services aiming to help people with stress and anxiety during the pandemic.

How to improve mental health 

The federal government’s Healthy Canadians Instagram page has shared plenty of useful resources related to mental health during the pandemic.

In one post, Health Canada shared some tips to take care of your mental health during the pandemic.

Their advice included staying in touch with loved ones via video-chat, doing daily physical activity and keeping your brain stimulated in any way you can. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or mental health concerns, please reach out to a trusted peer, parent or health care professional. You can also contact a helpline which is available 24 hours a day to talk. Or click here, for additional resources.

If you need immediate assistance please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital. Support is available.