CMHA Elgin Branch
110 Centre Street N5R 2Z9 Saint Thomas, ON, Canada

It's almost March! Don't miss out on the new action calendar!

Bullying can result in mental health issues including anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression. Today we wear pink to remind everyone to be kind and lift each other up. Visit pinkshirtday.ca for more details #PinkShirtDay

Let’s raise a fork to the food we love! February 23 is Canada’s Agriculture Day. For more information on Canada’s Agriculture Day, visit AgDay.ca.

As of Friday February 12th, the Premier of Ontario announced a lifting of the lockdown measures and the return of the colour coded framework within the province of Ontario, which will take effect on Tuesday February 16, 2021 00:01 AM as a result of decreasing COVID cases and hospitalizations within the province and within our regions. The Premier has allocated the following ratings within each region:... London Middlesex Red Zone Elgin St Thomas Red Zone Huron Perth Orange Deemed an essential service by the Ontario government, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Elgin-Middlesex remains open and is ensuring community mental health and addictions supports are safely available. As a result of this recent decision from the Premier, various in-person services will return and in some programs, service delivery will be enhanced to operate in alignment within CMHA Elgin Middlesex’s response to the colour coded zones In accordance with Public Health measures and provincial guidelines, CMHA Elgin Middlesex continues to deliver services in the best manner to protect public health and safety, by pivoting services to virtual or in-person so individuals in need of mental health supports can continue to get the help they need. Please contact us if you have any questions, or for more information.

This 2/11 day, we’re celebrating that 211 is available from coast to coast to coast. Every person in Canada can dial 2-1-1 to connect with community health and social programs near them. #211DayCanada #HelpStartsHere... United Way Elgin Middlesex

February is #BlackHistoryMonth. We are proud to celebrate the many important contributions of African, Caribbean, and Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada. Visit our website to learn more.

Happy Holidays from CMHA! Our holiday hours can be found here: http://cmhaelgin.ca/holiday-hours/ For mental health support, call Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023 or 1-866-933-2023 or online at www.reachout247.ca. Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season and happy new year.

It’s important for everyone to stay mentally healthy while maintaining a physical distance. Check out these #CMHAHolidayTips for ways to stay mentally healthy during the holidays: https://bit.ly/36zqK3S

Deemed an essential service by the Ontario Government, we remain open to ensure our services are safely available. Please see our website for details on how we will continue to serve our community during the upcoming lockdown. http://cmhaelgin.ca/covid-service-update-december-2020/

Happy Holidays from CMHA! Our holiday hours can be found here: http://cmhaelgin.ca/holiday-hours/ For mental health support, call Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023 or 1-866-933-2023 or online at www.reachout247.ca. Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season and happy new year.

The pandemic has been hard on everyone. For those who are prone to social isolation, social connection is important now more than ever. Visit the @CMHAOntario website for tips and ideas: https://bit.ly/2JAzrSK #CMHAHolidayTips

We’re all facing new challenges this holiday season due to #COVID19. Here’s how to maintain good #mentalhealth during these unprecedented times: https://bit.ly/39Dd2Pq #CMHAHolidayTips

Preparing for the holidays? Take a few moments for yourself and practice self-care. Here are a few things you can do: https://bit.ly/3lFjyHI #CMHAHolidayTips

People need more than access to healthcare to have good #MentalHealth. Basic needs such as housing, food and secure employment are the foundation of #wellness. #NationalHousingDay

Please read the following statement from Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario, in reaction to today’s announcement from the Ontario government of a $147 million investment in #mentalhealth and addictions services to support capacity pressures during #COVID19: http://bit.ly/3anYYJY

From now until December 31st, our friends at Swipe Right Repairs are going to donate $15 from every repair they complete to CMHA Elgin. Thank you so much for supporting our community!

The holidays can be tougheven without a pandemic. Whether you’re into the holidays or not, check out these #CMHAHolidayTips for activities and things you can do to stay mentally healthy this season: https://bit.ly/39Dd2Pq

Today we remember the sacrifices of men and women who gave their lives for Canada. Lest we forget. #RemembranceDay

Social connection is very important for our overall health and wellbeing. Given our current situation and physical distancing measures, we must get creative in how we find connection with others. Here are some suggestions for how you can strengthen your sense of connectedness and feel close to others even when physically apart! Thank you CMHA National for these great ideas be sure to check out their Survival Guide for more information: https://mentalhealthweek.ca/your-social-distancing.../ Remember, CMHA Elgin provides e-mental health support if you or someone you know is in need! You can webchat with a mental health worker who can provide information, resources mental health and crisis support: http://reachout247.ca/ #stayconnected #mentalwellness

Happy "New Ways" November!

We are now entering the heightened season of SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. Typically sta...rting in the late fall and early winter. Depressive episodes can occur in the summer but are less common that winter episodes. Causes in the winter can be linked to shorter days, lack of sunlight, increased isolation, and lack of winter time hobbies. Here are a few tips to manage those winter blues! 1. Increase Vitamin D - Vitamin D improves our mood significantly! We get very little from food sources - the best way is to get out in the sun as much as possible or supplement with Vitamin D! - 4,000 IU'S a day us recommended. 2. Light Therapy - Specialized lamps that you can use inside to help simulate sunshine! Try sitting in front of one for 30-45 minutes a day. You can purchase them online or in store, or book in at the London Public Library to use for free! 3. Find a Winter Hobby - Humans are social creatures. Connect with like-minded individuals that share common interests. Set time for play - and find something you enjoy! There's lots of free skates, hiking paths, and programs available in the community. 4. Challenge negative thought patterns - Identify unhelpful patterns and challenge negative thoughts around the season. These elicit emotions which ultimately influences your behaviour for example - Isolation, risky behaviours, unhealthy coping strategies. 5. Seek Professional Help - You are not alone. Reach out if needed! Reach out to your doctor, a counsellor or us here at CMHA Middlesex! We want to help give you the tools to optimize your health. 6. Stress Management - Practice stress management skills such as promoting the relaxation response, exercising, eating well, and practicing time management. Reduce unhelpful stress wherever possible. Reach out to us if you would like more resources ! #SAD #coping #winterblues #support #mentalhealth

October 10 is #WorldMentalHealthDay, an important day to help raise awareness and advocate for better care for those with #mentalhealth issues worldwide. http://www.cmhaelgin.ca/cmha-recognizes-world-mental-healt/ #WMHD2020

Do you have an extra laptop at home? Check out the link below to see how you can support essential learning in our community!

Check out this excellent webinar happening next week! In this webinar we will review how the pandemic has affected our interpersonal relationships and discuss the challenging circumstances that have been amplified during this health crisis. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/navigating-personal-relationshi

October 10 is #WorldHomelessDay. Evidence shows that having a place to call home means a better quality of life and success in education and work. Housing with supports is key to recovery for many people living with #mentalhealth or #addictions issues: https://www.cmhaelgin.ca/cmha-recognizes-world-homeless-da/ #SupportiveHousing

Join a virtual presentation on Navigating Interpersonal Relationships during a Pandemic on Tuesday, November 10th from 10AM - 11AM. Register today at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/navigating-personal-relationshi

As the seasons change, you may start to feel sluggish and down. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that you experience during particular seasons or times of year and it is common, you’re not alone. If you need a safe place to talk - visit https://bit.ly/3ldchiD to join an online mental health community. Accessible anytime, anywhere. Togetherall

We're hiring a part-time, one-year contract Peer Support Worker at CMHA Elgin. Please see link for more details: https://bit.ly/3jWpH2a

Check out this great update from the St Thomas Police Service as they introduce a new clinician to the Mobile Outreach Support Team!

This year’s #MIAW20 is about prioritizing #MentalHealth, because there is no health without it. Learn more at @CAMIMH_ACMMSM https://www.camimh.ca/

Attitude of Gratitude! Research in positive psychology shows that those who regularly practice gratitude have increased positive emotions, reduced symptoms of d...epression and stress, and are more satisfied with their social relationships. With thanksgiving approaching, this is a wonderful time to bring awareness to the things you are grateful for. Here are some tips to cultivate the attitude of gratitude Keep an eye out for our story reel today to a DIY gratitude jar as well! #grateful #gratitude #DIY #cmhamiddlesex #thanksgiving Journal of personality and social psychology, 84(2), 377.

Happy Thanksgiving from CMHA! Please note that our office is closed October 12. If you need help or support, please contact Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023 (by calling or texting) or connect through webchat at www.reachout247.ca

October 4-10 is #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek. To learn more about #MentalHealth and #MentalIllness, visit https://cmha.ca/document-category/mental-health #MIAW20

Could you or someone you know benefit from regular wellness check-ins? Older adults across London, Strathroy, Middlesex and Elgin County will be matched with a volunteer who will provide weekly check-ins, supportive listening and assist with access to community and social supports. #NationalSeniorsDay

Happy National Senior’s Day! As we all continue to look for ways to safely and meaningfully connect with family, friends, and others in our community, you might consider some of these COVID-19 friendly ways to show your gratitude and respect for the older adults in your life! Shout out to the Government of Canada for these great suggestions for how we can show our appreciation! Visit the Government of Canada webpage for more information: https://www.canada.ca//campaigns/national-seniors-day.html

October 1 is #NationalSeniorsDay, an important time to celebrate the valuable contributions older adults make in communities across Ontario and reflect on the way they are supported: http://www.cmhaelgin.ca/cmha-celebrates-national-seniors-d/

We're pleased to share our 2019-20 annual report. This report highlights our many partnerships and services which continue to grow and develop. We offer a vibrant, dynamic organization, invested in the mental well-being of our community. Learn more about us by checking out the full report. http://www.cmhaelgin.ca/about-us/annual-reports/

Help teens recognize when things are unsafe. By talking about the kinds of media and interactions that can happen online, you are helping the young people in your life to recognize unsafe situations.

This year, the usual back-to-school pressures may be eclipsed by a more potent set of worries. The fundamental one: will our kids be safe? #backtoschool #covid19 #mentalhealth Article from CMHA National.

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. By spreading the word that hope, help and healing are possible, we can work together to prevent suicide. We recognize and support #WSPD2020: http://www.cmhaelgin.ca/cmha-recognizes-world-suicide-prev/

Don't forget to check out this months #ActionCalendar !