Physical Activity & Mental Wellness

• Limit your intake of media. Choose 1 or 2 times a day to update yourself on the latest news so you are not bombarded by a constant stream of negative information.
• Focus on self-care by enjoying nutritious foods, being physically active and getting enough sleep. Our immune system works best when we take care of ourselves.
• Assess your substance use. Many people may increase consumption of alcohol or cannabis because of excess stress or boredom. Excessive substance use can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to COVID-19. Check out Canada’s Guidance on alcohol and health to see if you are at risk.
• Connect with friends and family over the phone or internet so you don’t feel isolated. Texting doesn’t give the same feeling of connection as seeing someone’s face or hearing their voice. There are lots of digital technologies that can help us connect while still keeping physically distant.
• Recognize that our moods can shift frequently and it’s normal to be fine one day then not so much the next. Take the time to validate your feelings and practice self-care in a way that supports your mental well-being.

There are people ready to help you.

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
  • Or text CONNECT to 686868
• Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-866-281-2911.
  • Anyone who has questions, needs access to services, or is feeling anxious is encouraged to call the Case workers and counsellors working in close to a dozen rural offices throughout the region are also accessible through these main numbers. In addition, the following services are available:
    • Essential Services remain open including Group Homes, Co-op and Residential Treatment Facilities and Intake Screening.
    • All counselling, including Rapid Access and Case Management continue to take place by telephone.
    • Psychiatry appointments will continue through telephone contact.
    • Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health offices are closed but employees are still working from home.
• Lanark County Mental Health Mental Health Pandemic Helpline 1-833-283-9979 available Monday–Thursday: 8:00am–8:00pm and Friday 8:00am–4:00pm. This line is for everyone – to offer strategies and supports, without shame or judgement.
• CMHA’s Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
• Good2Talk for post-secondary students: 1-866-925-5454
  • Or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
• A Friendly Voice – A phone line for older adults (55+) who may be feeling lonely or isolated: 1-855-892-9992 (note – this is not a crisis line)
• Bounce Back phone and online mental health program for adults and youth ages 15 and over
  • Longer term program – needs referral from primary healthcare professional
• Distress Centre of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville – 1-800-465-4442
  • Trained volunteers actively listen to your issues, focus in on your concerns and help you problem solve. Available 5:00pm–12:00am (midnight), 7 days a week.
• If you or someone you know is in danger at home from domestic abuse, you can contact Interval House.
  • Interval House Lanark County 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-267-7946
  • Leeds and Grenville Interval House 24-Hour Crisis Line 1-800-267-4409
• Assault Response and Care Centre provides help for anyone affected by sexual assault or domestic violence: 1-800-567-7415
• #KnowWhereToGo – Check out these youth specific resources for mental well-being.

Resources for Children and Youth

• Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth
• Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville
• Every Kid in Our Communities website
• Ministry of Health – Talking to Children Fact Sheet
• CAMH’s Talking to Children About COVID-19
• Lego PM’s message to kids

Resources for All Ages

• YMCA – Free Online Workouts
• CAMH – Coping with Stress and Anxiety
• COVID-19 Fact Sheet: Resources for Ontarians Experiencing Mental Health and Addictions Issues During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has added to existing health inequities. This means that COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting the health and well-being of people based on their social determinants of health (e.g., income levels, housing, and experiences of social stigma). A response to COVID-19 that values and prioritizes health equity will support community resilience and well-being today, and into the future. Visit our Health Equity and COVID-19 section for more information.

Physical activity is good for the body, mind and mood, and is especially good at helping us cope with stressful situations and negative feelings.

Be sure to stay COVID-SMART while being physically active!

• S – Self-isolate if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
• M – Mask/face covering on when inside enclosed public spaces, and when outdoors in busy public spaces or whenever physical distancing is a challenge.
• A – Avoid touching your face.
• R – Remain 2 metres/6 feet apart from people you do not live with.
• T – Twenty (20) seconds for regular hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (cough or sneeze into a tissue or your arm).

For people who are NOT self-isolating:

• Walking outside is good for your body, mind and mood. Go for a walk with people in your household (as long as you are not under quarantine or self-isolation due to illness or exposure). If you choose to walk, find a low populated area and keep your distance from others (2m/6ft). Do not approach animals, and remember to check for ticks and wash your hands when you get home.
• Enjoy use of parks, beaches and trails that are open but respect signage for areas that are not.

In addition to being COVID-SMART, here are some other things to think about while being active outdoors or around others:

• Step aside or pass others quickly and courteously on paths and sidewalks.
• Use caution if touching shared surfaces (e.g., benches, playground equipment, etc.) that are permitted for use. Practice proper hand hygiene after touching shared surfaces.
• Avoid:
  • Crowded places. If the park you choose is crowded, consider going to a different recreation space or going back at a different time of day.
  • Activities that involve physical contact.
  • Organized sports that involve large groups (e.g., soccer, baseball, etc.) and touching the same object (e.g., football, volleyball, etc.).
  • Petting other people’s dog(s) or letting other people pet your dog(s).

Individuals have a great responsibility and opportunity to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Take your personal actions seriously to prevent the spread of the virus and be kind and considerate.

For more information on rules for recreational sports, leagues and facilities – check out the Sports and Recreation tab below.

If you are self-isolating or unable to get outside, there are some great ways to be physically active indoors as well!

• The YMCA at Home Programs
• Check with your local fitness or yoga studio – they may have some online options for you.
• Have a home dance party (even if you are by yourself)
• Use video games like “Just Dance” or Wii Fit to make physical activity fun for the family!
• If you are working from home – try to stand up and stretch every 30 minutes and schedule in some breaks.

The best way to help is by staying COVID-SMART and keeping up precautions.

We are all in this together. If you are well and have the ability to volunteer while staying COVID-SMART:

• Check out this inventory of Food Banks and Meal Calendars – feel free to reach out directly to your local provider to see how you can help with donations or delivery.
• Food Banks – Donating Healthy and Safe Food
• CPHC’s Senior Support Services may be in need of volunteers. Visit their website or Facebook page for more information.

As many people are out of work and in need, community food programs are more important than ever.

COVID-19 has created a lot of fear for many people. In some situations, this fear has led to people being stigmatized or labelled because they have COVID-19, perceived to have it, or because they are a close contact of someone who is positive. This COVID-19 related discrimination is on par with other types such as racism, sexism, and ageism. The effects of stigmatization can be as harmful, or even more harmful, than COVID-19 itself. Not only does it impact the individual, but can impact the greater public. When there is a label or stigma attached, people may be reluctant to get tested for COVID-19 or isolate, for fear of the consequences.

Since COVID-19 is a new virus that our population doesn’t have immunity to yet, anyone has the potential to get it. So be empathic and think about how you would feel if you were treated poorly for having this virus. Kindness and compassion can go a long way, particularly during times of stress and fear.

How can we reduce fear and stigma and promote kindness and compassion?

Don’ts

• Don’t post or share false information, names or identity of those affected or under isolation/quarantine.
• Don’t spread fear and panic.
• Don’t target health care workers or other essential workers – they are there to help you.
• Don’t judge.
• Don’t address people with COVID-19 as victims. Instead, choose language such as ‘’people recovering from COVID-19”.
• Don’t attach locations or ethnicities to COVID-19.

Dos

• Acknowledge that everyone is trying to do their best. Appreciate and support the efforts of our essential service and health care workers and their families.
• Get and share information from credible sources only, such as from the Health Unit, Ontario Ministry of Health, Government of Canada, or the World Health Organization.
• Think about how your words and actions can impact others.
• Recognize the things that are within your control to protect yourself and family. Practice physical distancing and hand hygiene, limit close contacts, stay home if sick, and go out for essential reasons only.
• Share positive stories and examples of community kindness.
• Challenge yourself and others to do random acts of kindness.
• Accept support from a professional, friend or someone else you trust. For help, check out the “Resources on Coping” section.
• If you want more information on how to address social stigma and COVID-19, watch this short video.

Seniors may be more vulnerable to both the effects of a COVID-19 infection, as well as the social isolation that comes from these months of physical distancing.

Seniors’ Centres Without Walls offers the opportunity for participants to join in on health and wellness seminars, educational lectures, brain-stimulating activities, listen to live musical entertainment, join in on general conversations, and make new and meaningful friendships – all over the phone from the comfort of home! For more information, contact Rachel Sutcliffe, SCWW Coordinator, at 613-236-0428 extension 2323 or by email at [email protected]

Long-Term Care Home Visits

Follow provincial guidance for long-term care home visits.

Retirement Home Visits

Follow provincial guidance for retirement home visits.