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I did some reporting on mental health in the pandemic last year. It’s an area I care a lot about as a person & as a reporter. On this #BellLetsTalk 
day, let me share a few pieces that may serve as reminders to check in, that you’re not alone & that there’s hope.
day, let me share a few pieces that may serve as reminders to check in, that you’re not alone & that there’s hope.
Back in April, Jam Gelua — who struggles daily with complex post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and major depression — bravely shared her tips for coping with fear and anxiety. You’re not alone. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/03/28/for-this-29-year-old-the-fear-and-axiety-sparked-by-coronavirus-are-everyday-battles-heres-her-advice-for-coping.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/03/28/for-this-29-year-old-the-fear-and-axiety-sparked-by-coronavirus-are-everyday-battles-heres-her-advice-for-coping.html
We’re experiencing a lot of emotions in this pandemic, some that may be new and foreign to us. Back in May, two Toronto doctors explained what we may be feeling in 5 stages and why that’s normal. Feels pertinent today, too. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/29/heres-what-you-actually-feel-two-toronto-doctors-explain-the-psychology-of-pandemic.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/29/heres-what-you-actually-feel-two-toronto-doctors-explain-the-psychology-of-pandemic.html
If you’re struggling, Wellness Together Canada is a first-of-its-kind, free mental health portal for adults that is changing the way Canadians can access mental health services. If you need help, please reach out. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/05/05/wellness-together-canada-offers-online-mental-health-help-during-covid-19-and-hopefully-beyond.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/05/05/wellness-together-canada-offers-online-mental-health-help-during-covid-19-and-hopefully-beyond.html
One crisis within this crisis: in May, substance abuse experts worried that an already overburdened system of support services may not be able to handle the long-term spin-off effects of alcohol and drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/05/09/more-drinking-more-pot-use-and-fewer-avenues-to-get-help-the-forgotten-crisis-within-covid-19.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/05/09/more-drinking-more-pot-use-and-fewer-avenues-to-get-help-the-forgotten-crisis-within-covid-19.html
Another crisis within this crisis: from June — as Canada worked to flatten the coronavirus curve, mental health experts were concerned that suicide rates in the country could be headed in the opposite direction. Keep an eye on your people. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/06/10/the-life-and-death-covid-19-curve-no-one-is-talking-about.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/06/10/the-life-and-death-covid-19-curve-no-one-is-talking-about.html
A note here: If you are thinking of suicide or think someone else may be, there is help. Call your local crisis line or the police, or go to the emergency room of your local hospital. Resources are available through the government of Canada. #BellLetsTalk
Social circles aren’t a thing in Ontario now, but everyone deals with the pandemic differently and some of your loved ones may not be following restrictions the way you are. If that’s causing stress, here are some tips on how to manage. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/06/23/how-do-i-deal-with-conflict-in-my-covid-19-social-circle-a-relationship-expert-offers-advice.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/06/23/how-do-i-deal-with-conflict-in-my-covid-19-social-circle-a-relationship-expert-offers-advice.html
And from June, a look at the important role employers play in helping employees navigate the impact of COVID-19 and boosting the resilience of the country’s workforce. We all need to be in this together. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/business/2020/06/23/how-employers-can-help-workers-mental-health-during-covid-19.html
https://www.thestar.com/business/2020/06/23/how-employers-can-help-workers-mental-health-during-covid-19.html
In all of this, don’t forget: you’re not alone. Here’s a look at how other Torontonians, in all kinds of living situations, were coping back in April. This story reminds me that we’re all in this together, even when we’re apart. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/19/we-still-have-to-do-the-little-things-that-mean-a-lot-to-us-how-torontonians-are-coping-hunkered-down-at-home.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/19/we-still-have-to-do-the-little-things-that-mean-a-lot-to-us-how-torontonians-are-coping-hunkered-down-at-home.html
And finally, a shutout to all the everyday heroes who have helped us get through this pandemic bu going to work every day. I can’t imagine the mental toll that takes, so thank you. Here are some of them, in this piece from last April. #BellLetsTalk https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/12/she-takes-care-of-your-mother-he-gets-your-groceries-to-you-these-are-the-unsung-heroes-who-will-get-us-through-the-covid-19-pandemic.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/12/she-takes-care-of-your-mother-he-gets-your-groceries-to-you-these-are-the-unsung-heroes-who-will-get-us-through-the-covid-19-pandemic.html
