Protect Your Mental Health

Описание: A number of things can affect your mental health and cause stress. How well we get through life’s challenges and recover after depends on a person’s resilience. Here are some things we can all do to be more resilient. To start, focus on the things that helped you cope with stress in the past, limit the time you spend listening to the news; set realistic expectations; keep busy with things you enjoy; avoid using alcohol and other drugs as a way to cope, practice mindfulness and meditate, stay connected with people you care about, and if applicable to you connect with your spiritual community and practice in your religion.
Watch for signs of stress and discomfort in your child or teen. Look for changes in their mood or behaviour; changes in their appetite or sleep pattern. Some children or teens may complain of headaches or stomach-aches and their behaviour may change. They might yell or have more tantrums.
It is important to talk to your children and teens about how they are doing and how they are feeling. Listen and acknowledge their feelings; give them accurate information for their age; keep a regular routine and limit how much time they are on their devices or watching TV by engaging them in activities they enjoy. You can help your kids through this!
Lastly, try to reach out through technology to people in your life who are isolated. Check-in with them. Let them know you are there for them.
And if you or your child need someone to talk to, please know that resources and supports are available. Please follow the links on the screen for Mental Health resources and let us know how we can help you. Factsheets are also available in multiple languages on our Multilingual webpage.

Ottawa Public Health’s
o www.ottawapublichealth.ca/MentalHealthAndWellness