Mental Health

 

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit partners with various community-based, provincial and national organizations to help support and promote mental health in several areas including:

• Youth mental health
• Stigma reduction
• Mental health promotion
• Mental health and addictions
• Mental health challenges as they relate to Indigenous health
• Mental health challenges as they relate to LGBTQ health
• Mental health in the workplace
• Maternal mental health

Our goal is to provide our partners support and input from the public health perspective for the development of evidence-based community programs, and help raise awareness of the issues.

 

Mental Health and You

Mental Health and COVID-19

Most people would agree that navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful. Many would say that it has affected their mental health. People with and without pre-existing mental health concerns have been feeling the effects of ongoing COVID-19 worries and protocols and may have found it difficult to cope.

If you feel that you are having concerns with your mental health (COVID-19 related or not), please know that your feelings and experiences are valid. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving and supporting our mental health; however, we have collected a series of tips that you may find useful below. There are also local supports available 24/7 - visit the Mental Health Support page for more information. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength.

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Use Coping Strategies that Work for You

• Do things that make you feel good during normal times, like physical activity, getting outside, breathing exercises, rest or connecting with social supports. 

Set Personal Boundaries

• Setting boundaries can be a difficult process, especially if you’re not used to it. Consider reflecting on things that make your mental health better and worse. 
• Have conversations with those around you about what you need for your mental health. This can include maintaining some COVID-19 protocols (e.g. physical distancing, masks, limiting gathering sizes etc.) when in social situations. Remember it’s okay to make different choices than others about masking or your comfort with in-person gatherings.
• You may want to consider having fewer discussions about COVID-19, checking the news less often or avoid social media if that adds to your stress or anxiety. 

Use Reliable Sources of Information

• If you are feeling like you are experiencing information overload when it comes to COVID-19, consider limiting how you take in information.
• If you want to know more about COVID-19, check out websites from the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Health Ontario or the TBDHU COVID-19 website for reliable information. Accurate, up-to-date information can help reduce your fears about COVID-19.

Seek Support

• If you are experiencing mental health concerns during COVID-19, you are encouraged to seek out support. There are online and phone-based counselling services in Thunder Bay and the District.
• Visit our Mental Health Support page for a list of supports and services offered. Also call 211 or visit 211north.ca to see if and how services are running.

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Youth Mental Health

Teens face a lot of pressure, yet they don’t always have the tools to deal with that pressure or an environment to support them. We have helped develop a number of strategies to prepare our children and promote positive mental health.

Please visit Youth Mental Health or Mental Health Support for more information.

 

Mental Health and Addictions

Challenges with mental health and addiction are inextricably linked, making this a complex area of health. The TBDHU works with a number of partners to develop program and initiatives to decrease stigma, and provide resources and supports for those who are living with and navigating challenges with their mental health and substance use.

Please visit Mental Health Support for more information.

Related information can be found on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

 

Mental Health and Indigenous Populations

Indigenous populations in the District of Thunder Bay face different challenges and disproportionately carry the burden of harm related to mental health challenges, specifically, suicide. There are a number of culturally sensitive support systems in place in our community that can help. Visit our Mental Health Support page for more information.

 

Mental Health and the LGBTQ Community

Members of the LGBTQ community, especially youth, often face additional pressures and challenges that can interrupt and affect mental health and wellness and also disproportionately carry a higher risk for suicide ideation and behaviour than non-identifying (heterosexual) peers

Please visit Mental Health Support for more information..

 

Mental Health at Work

Workplaces play an important role in protecting and promoting the mental health of employees. TBDHU works with many community partners to support employers in creating positive work environments and connecting them to helpful resources and services. Please visit our Superior Mental Wellness @ Work for more information.

 

Maternal Mental Health

Mood changes after pregnancy are very common. Roughly 1 in 5 women experience mood changes post-partum, affecting 3,500 families in Northern Ontario alone. Supporting your mental health after baby is important and intervening early has many benefits for families. 

For more information and resources, visit Maternal Mental Health and Postpartum Mood Difficulties.

 

For Further Information

Call the Injury Prevention Program: (807) 625-5900

or toll-free 1-888-294-6630