Let’s Talk – Mental Health Resources
Hi friends!
Today I wanted to share some mental health resources I’ve been using to help keep myself in check. So let’s jump right in!
One of the first resources I have been using for about a month now is an app, called Woebot. This was recommended to me by my best friend and it has made a huge difference in my life. Woebot will assist you in some much needed self care using CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy, and the app is 100% free! Woebot will notify you daily to check in at a time that’s best for you.
If you are into workbooks a great one, that every single therapist I’ve ever seen has recommended I use, is Mind Over Mood, another great CBT tool. It has chapters on anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger and so much more. Not only does it provide amazing information but it also has a lot of worksheets you can use!
This one is not so much a resource but a coping strategy. Get yourself into some routines. My favourite one to start with is a nighttime routine. Something as simple as drinking a warm cup of chamomile tea an hour before you go to bed can do wonders for anxiety. I wrote a post about my cleaning routine and how’s that’s helped me over the years, check it out here! If you want me to go over some of my other daily routines let me know in the comments below!
For anyone looking to start speaking with a therapist, Greenspace is an amazing resource! Looking for a therapist can be daunting and quite intimidating, Greenspace makes it a lot simpler, you can take an assessment which is about 10-15 minutes long, you are then matched with a case worker who you can speak to by email or telephone who will go through the process and match you with a therapist. The best part is your case worker will help you find someone who not only meets your needs but is within the budget you specify to them! When I used Greenspace about a year ago I was matched with a therapist in 48 hours and my appointment was only a week later so it’s not a long drawn out process!
I encourage your to speak with your primary health care provider about therapy as well since they might have someone on staff who is able to see you or they can recommend someone who may be covered by OHIP. OHIP typically only covers a certain amount of sessions so make sure you get the full information from your health care provider.
Another quick coping strategy, pick up an activity that provides you with a bit of exercise. We have all heard it before, exercising releases endorphins which will make you happy. I’ll be the first to tell you that it’s one of the hardest things to motivate yourself to exercise, especially when your feeling down but once you are able to talk yourself into getting into it you will feel great. I recently took up running, and by recently I mean about three weeks ago. The thought of running alone gave me horrible anxiety, I mean horrible, I’m an avid crime junkie listener so for those who listen you know. But one day I decided to just go out and do it, I won’t be turning back now. The feeling I get not only for exercising but also for taking the time to focus on me and do this on my own gives me a whole new level of appreciation for myself.
I hope you were able to get something from this and maybe take a step or two into checking in with your mental wellness!