2. From the Online Form:
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Care for Caregivers has been developed to serve as an expertly-curated online hub of trusted mental health resources, information and webinars designed specifically to support the psychological well being of workers and managers in long term care and home support.
Click Here > https://careforcaregivers.ca
ANXIETY – CLICK HERE
24/7 Phone Line for Healthcare Workers- 1.888.686.3022 or email MRT@phsa.ca
A Mobile Response Team is available 24/7 to support the mental well-being and psychological safety of frontline healthcare workers who are experiencing distress and mental health concerns in response to COVID-19.
DEPRESSION – CLICK HERE
Suicide Prevention Line – 1.800.784.2433
Canadian Suicide Prevention Service: 1.833.456.4566
Don’t ever feel ashamed to seek treatment or care – the help you need is available. If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be, call the Suicide Prevention Line or the Canadian Suicide Prevention Service.
FROM: https://bccare.ca/2020/03/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. The novel virus (meaning it is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans) is most dangerous for seniors, and people with certain chronic health conditions. By now, most British Columbians are aware of the things they should be doing to reduce the likelihood that they contract COVID-19, or spread it to others (jump to the end of this article for a refresher). Protecting your health and the health of others is very important, however there are also things you can do to protect your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Remind yourself that big emotions are to be expected in stressful situations like this one
As British Columbians experience the effects of this pandemic, many of us will experience strong, or even overwhelming emotions. For caregivers, this can be compounded by pre-existing feelings of stress, grief or guilt. Consider speaking with family and friends about what you are experiencing, or contacting a caregiver helpline.
Almost all of us will experience some degree of worry as a result of COVID-19. When these feelings get unmanageable, however, they can result in panic or anxiety, inability to concentrate on work or other responsibilities, problems sleeping or excessive alcohol or drug use. If you are experiencing these challenges consider reaching out to a counsellor, or physician. You may even think about trying one of the text or phone-based counselling services, which you can access from home.
People who have had mental health, or alcohol or substance use challenges in the past, or who are currently managing a mental health condition, should take extra care during this time, and (if necessary) ensure they have access to the medications they may need if they are required to self isolate.
Make a plan
Throughout the course of the pandemic it is possible that either you, or someone you care about will be required to self isolate.
People who are caring for a senior who lives in a care home may find the thought of not being able to visit their family member to be particularly distressing. Planning in advance can help, think about how you will get information from the care home and ways you can check-in with your family member if visiting isn’t possible.
If you are required to stay home, consider following a daily routine, exercise and mediate if possible, and check-in with family and friends by phone to reduce feelings of social isolation. If you are caring for someone who lives with you, think about ways to keep them occupied during long stretches at home.
Avoid information overload
There is new information emerging on COVID-19 by the hour. While it is important to remain informed, too much information can feel overwhelming. Limit your news intake to reputable sources. If you are feeling that the news, or social media, is making you feel anxious, consider setting a time limit.
Protect yourself and others
Reducing our exposure, and the exposure of others is critical to “flattening the curve.”
Resources:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_2
Next Violence Prevention Workshop – January 23, 2020
There are still openings for the upcoming Violence Prevention Workshop.
If you’ve completed the 8 VP modules, feel free to register. Go to the Menno Place Staff Website to register.
Merry & Bright: Five Healthy Holiday Tips : Excerpt from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS) Newsletter
Along with the joys, hustle, and bustle of the holidays can come an increased risk to your health and safety. Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe and sound as you enjoy the festivities of the holiday season.
1.Drink responsibly
If you will be going to parties or gatherings where alcohol will be served, it’s important to plan ahead and drink responsibly to stay safe and avoid injury to yourself and others. Before heading out, decide who among you will be the designated, non-drinking driver. Don’t drive if you have been drinking and don’t let anyone else drink and drive. Take a taxi, public transportation, or walk where possible.
Limit how much alcohol you drink. A good tip is to alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and space your alcoholic drinks at least an hour apart. And remember to have something to eat when drinking alcohol.
2. Maintain your healthy habits
How well you take care of yourself will have a big impact on how you manage emotionally. Aim to get plenty of sleep, take time for yourself and enjoy regular physical activity. If you need help with holiday gatherings, for meal preparation or clean up, reach out to family and friends. With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays in a healthy way.
3. Be fire safe
Fire hazards are plentiful during the holidays: the dry evergreen tree, candles and electric lights you use to decorate or set the holiday mood, or the cozy fire blazing in the fireplace.
Candles and fireplaces
Never leave cooking food or burning candles, fires, or cigarettes unattended. Put candles in non-tipping candle holders and keep them well away from anything that could catch fire, such as curtains or the Christmas tree, and out of reach of children and pets. This advice also applies to space heaters. Always use a secure screen in front of your wood burning fireplace to contain embers and sparks. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home and test them monthly. Keep a working fire extinguisher handy.
Decorative lights
Use lights and extension cords that are in good condition (no frayed wires, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets/plugs, excessive kinking or wear). Turn off decorative lights when you leave work and, at home, turn them off when you are asleep or away. Don’t overload electrical outlets.
The tree
Prevent the evergreen tree from drying out and becoming a hazard. Keep the stand filled with water. Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed or leave the house to prevent the lights from shorting out and starting a fire. When setting up a tree at home or at work, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters, and be careful not to block doorways.
4.Drive safely
Over the holidays you may find yourself behind the wheel, covering more ground than usual. Bitter cold, snow, slippery roads, and unpredictable weather conditions are just a few elements of a Canadian winter that can make driving conditions risky. If you really must drive when weather conditions are nasty, prepare yourself for any emergency that you may run into. Keep a winter driving emergency kit in your vehicle that contains the following:
5. Shovelling
Shovelling snow can be hard work and whether you shovel at work or at home, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the hazards of the task: cold exposure; fatigue; muscle strains; back injury and even a heart attack.
We wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.
Resources
Take a look at this video message from SafeCare BC, which shares many of the initiatives and resources that were created over the last year to enhance the health and safety of continuing care workers.
In BC, the collective efforts are showing positive results – injury rates in long-term care, home care, and community health support are the lowest they’ve been in six years.
