COVID-19 WELLNESS | CONNECTION | COPING
Spring 2020 | Community Health Feature with Dr. Dharma McBride
Dr. Dharma McBride is a family doctor and emergency medicine physician at Kootenay Lake Hospital. We reached out to Dharma at the outset of the pandemic for his top 3 tips on wellness, connection, and coping during these challenging times ~ his advice continues to ring true. A listing of COVID-19 Mental Health Resources is included below.
"In these uncertain times, we are feeling the weight of disconnection from the community we love and the usual activities that keep us well. Here are a few tips to help us continue to get through:
Self-care and fresh air make a difference – make time to stay active and get outdoors, safely, and with the health of your community in mind. Try your best to limit time on social media and checking news feeds.
Rewarding activities can bring wellness and joy - try a creative home project that you never had time for, maybe learn how to bake bread and share recipes with friends, pick up a book that has been sitting on your shelf, or even start a meditation practice.
Keep reaching out for connection and support - whether by sharing a meal with friends or family over a virtual platform. This pandemic can offer us the unique opportunity to find exciting ways to connect, both with ourselves and others. Physical distancing doesn't need to mean distancing from what keeps us well. Let’s continue to support and encourage each other in the process".
- Dr. Dharma McBride
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or increased substance use you are not alone. Reach out to your family doctor or nurse practitioner for advice and support. Explore the list below for immediate crisis support numbers, plus local, and virtual mental health and wellness supports.
Crisis Support:
If you need immediate mental health assistance call the Interior Health Crisis Line at 1-888-353-2273.
Call the KUU-US Crisis Line Society 1-800-KUU-US17 (1-800-588-8717) for culturally aware support for Indigenous peoples in BC.
The Métis Nation of BC also operates a 24/7 crisis line at 1-833-638-4722.
Local Counselling Services:
Visit Kootenay Boundary Fetch to find out more about counseling services available in your Kootenay Boundary community.
If available to you, your employer’s Employee and Family Assistance Program may also offer advice, support and counseling services.
Virtual Support & Programs:
Gov BC Virtual Mental Health Directory
The Gov BC Virtual Mental Health Supports Listing is an excellent and up-to-date directory of free and low cost virtual mental health supports available to all British Columbians.
BounceBack
BounceBack™is provided through CMHA BC and provides free access to online, video and phone-based coaching and skills-building program. Seniors, adults and youth who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry, can receive care.
- Register for programs and connect with a coach at BounceBack™
- Learn more at Canadian Mental Health Association – B.C. Division: COVID-19
CMHA BC Virtual Counselling Services
Virtual community counselling for individuals or groups at low or no cost.
MindShift CBT
Mindshift is a free app developed by Anxiety Canada. It can help manage anxiety using scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The MindShift™ CBT app helps you learn to be mindful, develop effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety.
