News

Tips to kick the winter blues

As the cold and snow of winter sinks in, Ontarians may find themselves lacking energy as the days grow shorter.

Research in Ontario suggests that 15 per cent of the general population have experienced the winter blues, which can include changes in appetite and lethargy. The winter blues differs from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which affects about two per cent of the population and is a serious form of depression.

Here are a few tips to help kick the winter blues:

• Enjoy time spent doing your favourite outdoor activity. Spend more time outdoors during the day and arrange indoor environments to receive maximum sunlight. Trim tree branches that block light, for example and keep curtains open during the day. Move furniture to sit near a window.

• Try something new. While we’re being advised to continue to participate in physical distancing, it’s important to stay mentally healthy while maintaining a physical distance. Starting a new blog, watching a new television show or listening to a new podcast are just a few of the many ways to stay mentally healthy while physically distancing.

• Take a walk at one of the city’s trails. Exercise relieves stress, builds energy and increases mental and physical well-being. Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk. The activity and increased exposure to natural light can raise spirits.

• Make a colourful meal. Healthy eating has been shown to benefit mental as well as physical health. Be sure to incorporate fruits and vegetables in daily eating habits.

• Reach out for help. To anyone struggling with mental health and addiction at this time, please reach out. Help is always available and CMHA is here with our programs and services.

 

The prevalence of the winter blues highlights the need to make our mental health a priority throughout the year. CMHA Ontario branches have programs and services available to ensure Ontarians get the support they need. Programs like Living Life to the Full are now offering their courses online. Living Life to the Full is a fun and engaging eight-week course that provides people from all walks of life with effective tools to maximize their ability to manage life’s challenges. New courses are starting this month. Visit the CMHA Ontario website today for details: bit.ly/2U0frdO

Important notice regarding CMHA Champlain East

Last updated: December 21, 2020

CMHA Champlain East deemed essential service, providing community supports in a variety of safe ways

Deemed an essential service by the Ontario government amid public health concerns related to COVID-19, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Champlain East, remains open and is ensuring community mental health and addictions supports are safely available by providing programs, services and information to our clients virtually and over the phone as this situation methods.

In accordance with physical distancing measures outlined by public health agencies, CMHA Champlain East continuously adapts its service delivery to protect public health and safety, pivoting services and information sharing to virtual or other means so individuals in need of mental health and addictions supports can continue to get the help they need.

To protect clients and staff while continuing to support the community, CMHA Champlain East continues to provide the following services by phone or virtually to our clients until further notice:

o    Intensive Case Management Supports

o    Resource Center Supports

o    All educational presentations/trainings have been suspended.

o    The Resource Center facilities (Strabright, Oasis and Horizon) will remain closed until further notice.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact CMHA Champlain East 1-800-493-8271 to find out about virtual and phone-based support services there to help you.

 

CMHA Champlain East earns ‘exemplary standing’ with Accreditation Canada

(Cornwall, Dec. 14, 2020) – The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Champlain East Branch is proud to announce it has been accredited with exemplary standing by Accreditation Canada.

 

CMHA Champlain East attained the highest level of performance, achieving excellence in meeting the requirements of the Qmentum accreditation program. As part of the Qmentum accreditation program, the organization underwent a rigorous evaluation process. Following a comprehensive self-assessment, external peer surveyors conducted an on-site survey during which they assessed this organizations’ leadership, governance, clinical programs and services against national standards of excellence; required safety practices to reduce potential harm; and questionnaires to assess the work environment, patient safety culture, governance functioning and client experience.

 

“This award is the result of our collective commitment to providing our clients with safe, high-quality care,” said CMHA Champlain East executive director Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas. “I’m very proud of everyone at our branch. Our employees and volunteers work incredibly hard to make sure they provide our community with mental health and addictions services that are safe and effective, and this accreditation is recognition of that.”

 

Accreditation helps identify what an organization is doing well and where to focus its improvement efforts. CMHA Champlain East was evaluated against national standards, and will use the results to improve the quality and safety of its services.

 

Accreditation Canada delivers a wide range of high-impact assessment programs for health and social service organizations, powered by HSO Health Standards Organization, and customized to local needs. Accreditation Canada works with more than 900 expert peer surveyors with extensive health care and social services experience and trained in Accreditation Canada’s customized, continuous assessment program. Accreditation through our Qmentum and Qmentum international programs is an ongoing process of assessing health and social services organizations against standards of excellence to identify what is being done well and what needs improvement.

 

Click the following link to view the Executive Summary Accreditation Report

 

For more information, contact:

Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas

Executive Director

CMHA Champlain East

613-933-5845 ext. 223

  

Support mental health this holiday season

Although anxiety, depression, and loneliness may occur anytime during the year, the stress of the holidays can amplify these feelings. For those coping with mental health issues, the holidays can be a daunting, overwhelming challenge every year. That’s why CMHA Champlain East offers support and information to people affected by mental health issues – so no one needs to feel alone in their struggle.

This holiday season, CMHA Champlain East is working to help those in need.

CMHA Champlain East works daily to promote mental health, recovery and resilience in the community, but we can’t do it alone. You can support CMHA Champlain East this holiday season by making a donation. Your gift will help CMHA Champlain East assist people experiencing mental health issues, including their families and caregivers, to access information and support as soon as they need it.

During this season of giving, you’ll be making a meaningful gift to many people across Ontario who will cope with a mental health issue in the coming year. Please donate today: https://www.cmha-east.on.ca/index.php/en/donatemenu

 

New CMHA Ontario resource helps non-profits weigh benefits, challenges of collaboration with private sector

With an increase in the number of private companies that sell substances such as alcohol and cannabis seeking to make donations or develop collaborations, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division has created an ethical fundraising guide to help work through various ethical considerations related to forming collaborations with private companies.

While Risk vs. Reward: Considerations for non-profit organizations on ethical fundraising and forming collaborations outlines possible collaborations with companies that produce substances, it also discusses the different forms of collaborations, outlines benefits and risks, details how to assess an opportunity, and provides language to support decision-making.

The goal of this resource is to support agencies in ensuring their approach to collaborations considers the risks, both internally and externally, while honouring their unique position of promoting an important cause in the community.

Download the guide

 

Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19: Wave 2

As we push through 2nd wave of the #pandemic, Canadians’ #mentalhealth is deteriorating. And Canada’s vulnerable populations are feeling it the most. Learn more: https://cmha.ca/documents/summary-of-findings

New nationwide survey finds Ontarians mental health eroding. Click here for full article. 

Mental health and addictions supports have remained available through the pandemic at CMHA Champlain East. Learn more at https://www.cmha-east.on.ca/index.php/en/our-services

In the event that you may require immediate assistance in a time of crisis, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-866-996-0991. They are available 24 hours per day.

 

Resources for crisis - Ontario

Throughout the province, programs and services are available to ensure Ontarians get the crisis supports they need during #COVID19 Click here: Resources for crisis - Onrtario

 

Take the Pledge to #StopTheSpread

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Ontario, we need your help to #StopTheSpead.

Earlier this year, we all made tremendous sacrifices in order to protect our loved ones and our communities. But with a second wave threatening the progress we’ve made, we need all Ontarians to come together now and do their part once again.

This October, let’s commit to protecting our family, friends and community by taking the pledge to #flattenthecurve and ask others to do the same. It hasn’t been easy. But we made it this far because we always find the strength to do the right thing.

Take the pledge to #StopTheSpread and encourage others by telling them how you’re doing your part:

1. Take the pledge and commit to doing your part to keep everyone safe.
2. SHARE! Tell others how or why you’re stopping the spread of COVID-19, and who you’re doing it for.

It’s the small, practical, everyday choices we make that matter. Join thousands of Ontarians and take the pledge to #StopTheSpread today!

Take the Pledge and Share at www.ontariocovidpledge.ca

 

Feeling low? Stressed? Anxious?

BounceBack can help. For those struggling with low mood, worry, stress, or mild to moderate depression or anxiety, you can look to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA’s) free skill-building program BounceBack^®: Reclaim your health. Through one-on-one telephone coaching and online videos offered in multiple languages, adults and youth 15+ learn skills to help manage worry and anxiety, combat unhelpful thinking and become more active and assertive – all from the comfort of their home.

To access the program, you will need a referral from a primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner), psychiatrist, or client self-referral, so long as you’re connected with a primary care provider. Once a referral is submitted, you will be contacted by a BounceBack coach within five business days to conduct an information session about the program and ensure it’s the right fit.

While you wait for your telephone coaching sessions to begin, you can access our free online videos. These videos will provide you with practical tips on managing mood, sleeping better, problem-solving, and more. The videos are available in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Punjabi. To access the videos, visit bouncebackvideo.ca and enter this access code: bbtodayon.

When you’re ready for your telephone coaching sessions to begin, your BounceBack coach will support you as you work through a series of skill-building workbooks. You and your coach can choose from 20 workbook topics, 12 topics from shorter or condensed booklets, and nine topics from booklets geared to youth 15-18. Your coach is also there to provide you with motivation, monitor your progress and safety, and answer any questions. Coaches are extensively trained in the delivery of the program and are overseen by clinical psychologists. They also receive training in LGBTQ+ equity and trauma-informed care. The BounceBack program is also reviewed to ensure our processes and materials are culturally sensitive and inclusive. As coaches are not counsellors or therapists, your primary care provider will maintain responsibility for your overall care while you’re in the program.

To get started or to access our online referral form, visit: bouncebackontario.ca.

  

Most Ontarians fear second wave of COVID-19, worries linked to actions of others: CMHA poll

A new poll shows an overwhelming majority of Ontarians (84 per cent) remain concerned about the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19, primarily driven by worry of other people not following the proper distancing rules as businesses and schools reopen.

The survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division indicates respondents are worried people are becoming too relaxed too quickly (83 per cent), about coming in contact with people who are not taking the proper precautions (78 per cent), and that others are not following physical distancing guidelines (84 per cent).

Additionally, 79 per cent fear the possibility of the province going back into lockdown if a second wave hits Ontario, and 85 per cent are concerned that a second wave will “put us back where we started.”

This data comes from the second of three polls Pollara Strategic Insights is conducting on behalf of CMHA Ontario. The first poll, released in May, showed a majority of Ontarians believe the province is headed for a mental health crisis.

CMHA Ontario is looking to evaluate how Ontarians’ perceptions of their mental health are changing as they come out from underneath the pandemic. One more survey in the coming months will measure perceptions of loosening restrictions and the province’s reopening.

Parents concerned amid back-to-school season

Poll results also indicated parents are particularly stressed about sending their children back to the classroom during the pandemic. Specifically:

• More than six in 10 parents (64 per cent) are concerned about their own anxiety if their child is expected to go to school in September
• Nearly eight in 10 worry about their child contracting COVID-19 at school (78 per cent) or bringing the virus into the household and infecting other people (79 per cent)
• Six in 10 parents (61 per cent) are concerned physical distancing measures could have a negative impact on a child’s ability to learn
• If schooled at home, more than six in 10 parents are concerned about their child’s motivation and productivity in the home environment (67 per cent), being able to provide educational support at home (64 per cent) and the ability of their child to learn at home (63 per cent)

Comparison: first poll versus second poll

While concerns around mental health in general remain high, results of CMHA Ontario’s second poll, when compared its first poll, indicated the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health has slightly declined or remains unchanged. In particular:

• In the first poll, most Ontarians (86 per cent) agreed the strain on mental health will worsen the longer the outbreak continues, which remains somewhat consistent through the second poll (83 per cent)
• Two-thirds of Ontarians (66 per cent; down from 69 per cent) still believe once the outbreak is over, there may be a serious mental health crisis in the province
• The vast majority of Ontarians (86 per cent; down from 87 per cent) remain worried about the impact of COVID-19 on the older generation
• However, half (50 per cent) of Ontarians feel confident that they would be able to find mental health supports for themselves or family members if needed, a significant increase (up from 44 per cent)

Pollara’s online research of 1,002 Ontario adults was conducted from July 23 to Aug. 2. It carries a margin of error of ± 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Mental health and addictions supports have remained available through the pandemic at CMHA Champain East. Learn more at https://www.cmha-east.on.ca/index.php/en/our-services

 

CMHA Ontario COVID-19 Wave 2 Topline Summary

CMHA Ontario Wave 2

  

CMHA Champlain East presents annual awards for dedication, commitment to community mental health and addictions care

 

(Cornwall, July 22, 2020) – Canadian Mental Health Association, Champlain East Branch is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of its annual awards for dedication and commitment to community mental health and addictions care.

Awarded annually since 1985 for “outstanding dedication in the field of mental health,” this year’s Earl Eaton Distinction Award has been presented to out-going CMHA board member Danielle Dorschner.

Dorschner has served eight years on the board of CMHA Champlain East, including a term as president during a significant management change. Over the years, her skills as a nurse and manager have proven invaluable to the organization. Dorschner has attended national and provincial CMHA conferences and brought what she learned from these events and her broader knowledge of the health care sector back to the organization.

“Danielle is smart, calm, caring, always prepared for meetings, and has great ideas,” said CMHA Champlain East board president Mally McGregor. “We couldn't count the number of hours she has dedicated to this organization, but we know it’s a huge number. The organization would not be where it is today without her.”

Instituted in 1995, CMHA Champlain East’s annual Mental Health Service Award recognizes “commitment and significant contributions made to the mental health movement in the community.” This year’s recipient is another out-going board member, Carleen Hickey.

Hickey has also served eight years on the board, including a term as president. She had a long career as a social worker in the community and brought her experiences of working with vulnerable individuals to her work with CMHA.

“Carleen’s refreshing sense of humour, openness to new ideas and tremendous dedication to CMHA Champlain East have long been welcomed and invaluable to our organization,” said McGregor. “Her passion and interest in supporting mental health promotion initiatives through fundraising events and advocating for funding will have a long-lasting impact on our branch and in our community.

“We’ll miss both Danielle and Carleen very much, and feel lucky to have gotten to know them and work with them at CMHA. Their contributions have made our branch an even better place to be” said executive director, Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas.

About Canadian Mental Health Association, Champlain East

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Champlain East offers a range of programs and services designed to enhance the rehabilitation, recovery and independence of individuals living with a severe mental illness or concurrent disorders. Funding for branch programs and services is received by the Champlain Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health. The branch has been designated under the French Language Services Act since 1991 and as such, is committed to providing services in both official languages (French and English).

For more information, contact:

Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas

Executive Director

Canadian Mental Health Association, Champlain East

T: 613-933-5845

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  

News Release

Suicidal thoughts are on the rise. Now more than ever, Canada urgently needs a comprehensive, long-term #SuicidePrevention plan. Here’s why: Mental Health COVID Release

In the event that you may require immediate assistance in a time of crisis, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-866-996-0991. They are available 24 hours per day.

 

New data says fewer Ontarians are seeking mental health supports during COVID-19, but services are helping those who use them

 

CMHA Champlain East, May 14, 2020 – As more details emerge about the psychological impact of COVID-19, CMHA Champlain East is encouraging anyone who is struggling with mental health and addictions issues at this time to reach out and seek help.

The call comes as new provincial data this week showed that far fewer people with a mental health condition have been seeking formal supports since the crisis began.

In the first of three polls by Pollara Strategic Insights on behalf of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division, only 13 per cent of Ontarians who identified as having a mental health condition said they’ve accessed mental health supports since the outbreak, compared to 39 per cent before the pandemic.

Further, nearly one-third (31 per cent) of those diagnosed with a mental health condition feel they do not have all the supports they need.

On the flipside, 77 per cent of those who have accessed mental health supports during the outbreak have found these supports to be helpful.

Also of interest is that 41 per cent of the general population in Ontario wish they had someone to talk to about the things that are worrying them now, and 43 per cent do not feel confident in their ability to find mental health supports.

“Our polling data suggests people don’t know where to find mental health and addictions resources or are just hesitant to reach out, but those who are reaching out and getting the help they need are being effectively supported,” said CMHA Champlain East Executive Director Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas.

“Despite the limitations that come with physical distancing and isolation, the CMHA has found ways to continue providing support to our clients. This may be in person with the appropriate safety precautions, by phone, videoconferencing or other means,” said the Executive Director. “Help is still available and CMHA is here with our programs and services.”

Looking ahead, the Pollara research shows that seven out of 10 Ontarians (69 per cent) believe the province is headed for a “serious mental health crisis” as it emerges from this pandemic and nearly eight of out 10 (77 per cent) say more mental health supports will be necessary to help society.

“In order to meet an upcoming mental health crisis coming out of COVID-19, community mental health agencies need increased investment from government,” Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas said “The province has promised $3.8 billion over 10 years for mental health and addictions service but the investment has been slow to materialize.”

Additional findings from the Pollara research about mental health and addictions:

• While 43 per cent of Ontarians do not feel confident in their ability to find supports if they were needed, 44 per cent do.

• The things we recommend to stay mentally healthy are taking a hit. For example, 36 per cent of Ontarians say their diet has gotten worse, while 48 per cent say exercise habits have worsened.

• A quarter (23 per cent) of Ontarians are consuming more substances such as alcohol, tobacco or cannabis. Among those who are consuming these substances, 29 per cent have changed the time of day when they consume.

• Despite trying to make a daily routine, 59 per cent are finding it hard to be productive while in self-isolation. This is true of those who are currently employed and those not working.

• 29 per cent of those who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition say they’ve had issues accessing the supports they need during this time.

Pollara’s online research of 1,001 Ontario residents over 18 was conducted from April 16-23. It carries a margin of error of ± 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Two more surveys will follow in the coming months as restrictions loosen around COVID-19 and the economy continues to re-open during this unprecedented time. CMHA Ontario is looking to evaluate how Ontarians’ perceptions of their mental health are changing as they come out from the pandemic.

 

For more information, contact:

Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas

Executive Director

Canadian Mental Health Association, Champlain East

T: 613-933-5845

E : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

New data shows majority of Ontarians believe mental health crisis will follow COVID-19 impact

(Toronto, May 11, 2020) – Seven out of 10 Ontarians (69 per cent) believe the province is headed for a “serious mental health crisis” as it emerges from this pandemic and nearly eight out of 10 (77 per cent) say more mental health supports will be necessary to help society, according to new poll results released today.

This data comes from the first of three polls Pollara Strategic Insights is conducting on behalf of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division.

CMHA Ontario is looking to evaluate how Ontarians’ perceptions of their mental health are changing as they come out from underneath the pandemic. Two more surveys will follow in the coming months as restrictions loosen around COVID-19 and the economy continues to re-open.

Pollara’s research shows that 79 per cent of people in the province worry about what the future will look like after the outbreak is over, 87 per cent are worried about the impact on the older generation, and 71 per cent are worried about the younger generation.

Nearly everyone (90 per cent) is concerned about COVID-19’s impact on the economy and 69 per cent of Ontarians are concerned about the impact the outbreak has on their personal finances.

One finding of note is that while 67 per cent of Ontarians are worrying about the mental health impact on family and friends, fewer Ontarians – 53 per cent – are concerned about their own mental health.

“Stigma is likely playing a role in this self-reporting in that it’s much easier for Ontarians to admit concern for their physical health or for others than their own mental health,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario.

“This may explain why, in spite of prevalent negative feelings, more people in Ontario express concern with their physical health [39 per cent] than those who express concern with their mental health [23 per cent],” she said.

“We look forward to the next phases of this research to gain a broader understanding of how the pandemic has affected our province and how we can best move forward to support Ontarians as they address mental health and addictions issues,” Quenneville said.

Pollara’s online research of 1,001 Ontario residents over 18 was conducted from April 16-23. It carries a margin of error of ± 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Additional findings:

• Three-fifths (58 per cent) believe the mental health of themselves, those in their household (55 per cent) and friends and family outside their household (59 per cent) are negatively affected by the pandemic.  

• People are more likely to feel their mental health (36 per cent) has worsened than their physical health (26 per cent) during the coronavirus outbreak.
• A quarter (23 per cent) of Ontarians are consuming more substances such as alcohol, tobacco or cannabis. Among those who are consuming these substances, 29 per cent have changed the time of day when they consume.

• The things we recommend to stay mentally healthy are taking a hit. For example, 36 per cent of Ontarians say their diet has gotten worse, while 48 per cent say exercise habits have worsened.
• Despite trying to make a daily routine, 59 per cent are finding it hard to be productive while in self-isolation. This is true of those who are currently employed and those not working.
• Eight per cent have had to deal with themselves or friends and family members testing positive, or losing a friend or friend or family member to the virus.
• 69 per cent of Ontarians are concerned about catching the virus, while 70 per cent are concerned about losing family or friends to COVID-19.
• 40 per cent of respondents or an immediate family member have lost work hours or pay while nearly a third (28 per cent) have been laid off.

• 65 per cent are concerned about the impact on students’ education.

About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. We work to improve the lives of all Ontarians through leadership, collaboration and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addictions services. Our vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. We are a trusted advisor to government, contributing to health systems development through policy formulation and recommendations that promote positive mental health. Our 28 local CMHA branches, together with community-based mental health and addictions service providers across the province, serve approximately 500,000 Ontarians each year.

 

For more information, contact your local CMHA branch or:

Justin Dickie

Communications Officer

Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario

T: 416-977-5580, ext. 4175

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

   

Important notice regarding CMHA Champlain East

Last updated: March 25, 2020

CMHA Champlain East deemed essential service; providing community supports in different ways

Deemed an essential service by the Ontario government amid public health concerns related to COVID-19, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Champlain East remains open and is ensuring community mental health and addictions supports are safely available by providing programs, services and information to our clients over the phone as this situation develops.

In accordance with social distancing measures outlined by public health agencies, CMHA Champlain East has recently altered service delivery to protect public health and safety, pivoting services and information sharing to virtual or other means so individuals in need of mental health and addictions supports can continue to get the help they need.

To protect clients and staff while continuing to support the community, CMHA Champlain East is providing the following services by phone to our clients until further notice:

• Intensive Case Management Supports
• Resource Center Supports
• All educational presentations/trainings have been suspended.
• The Resource Centers (Strabright, Oasis and Horizon) will remain closed.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact CMHA Champlain East 1-800-493-8271 to find out about virtual and phone-based support services there to help you.

 

Resources

Special webinar series on mental wellness, COVID-19 links, news releases and resources click here: https://www.cmha-east.on.ca/index.php/en/mental-health/coping-with-covid-19

  

If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of the Coronavirus please contact:

-       Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or;

-       The Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 1-800-267-7120