The Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub

Online Resources

• 24/7 Support: Kids Help Phone's E-Mental Health Services
  

  Kids Help Phone is there for young people across Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can contact them 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting 686868. It’s free and completely confidential.
  
  If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact 911 or the emergency services in your area.
  
  Kids Help Phone is also sharing resources for supporting your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health during the coronavirus outbreak. Visit KidsHelpPhone.ca/COVID19 for tips, info, interactive tools and more. Remember, you’re never alone!

• Find Mental Health Services
  How do I even begin? Check out CAMH's guide to looking for mental health services. 
  
  How do I find a youth program near me?

  • Kids Help Phone has a great digital tool called Resources Around Me.
  • 211 Alberta has a comprehensive list of support options here.

  
  How do I find crisis or emergency services near me? Start at 211 Alberta's emergency crisis options.
  
  What else? Check out Alberta Health Services' Help in Tough Times resource.
  
  *Live in or around Edmonton? Mental Health Copilots can help you connect with a mental health professional. 
• Provide Support: Be There by Jack.org
  Created by Jack.org, Be There is an engaging and comprehensive online resource that teaches us all how to support someone who might be struggling with their mental health. The five Golden Rules are easily adapted to any situation, so even if you're in self-isolation or unable to be physically present with someone, you can still learn how to be there for them.
  
  Be There was voted the Top Health Website in the World by the 2020 Webby Awards.
  
  Check out one of our Be There stories below, and visit BeThere.org.
  
  
   
• Mental Health Training: The Virtual Jack Talk

  Learn about mental health with two of our youth speakers, Sadia and Jonathan! Our Virtual Jack Talk will teach you basic mental health information, how to look after your own mental health, how to support a friend’s mental health, and how to access support. We offer three versions of the Virtual Jack Talk so that anyone seeking mental health education for themselves, their families, or their students has an option!
  
  Check out the teaser below, and visit jack.org/talks
  
  

• Reliable COVID-19 Information for Albertans
  

  Start with the Alberta Government's online space for COVID-19 information. It includes relaunch guidance documents, public health updates and orders, information on testing, and more.
  
  COVID-19 & Stigma walks you through misperceptions about COVID-19, what language we can use to help reduce stigma, and how to share facts and bust myths. 
  
  Get familiar with the K-12 School Re-Entry plan for Alberta, as well as Alberta's post-secondary learning plans during COVID-19.
  
  The University of Winnipeg's guide to Adjusting Your Study Habits During COVID-19 can help you get the most out of an online learning environment. 

• Resources for LGBTQ Youth

  The pandemic has posed unique challenges for LGBTQ youth. LGBTQ youth may not be out or accepted in the home they’re staying in during COVID and may not be able to stay connected with their “chosen families”. They may have to deal with misgendering or other unsupportive comments that can negatively impact their mental health. But have hope: a lot of great organizations are increasing their efforts to provide resources, supports, and programs. 

  Start with these LGBTQI2S Mental Health Tips during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes a list of online counselling resources.
  
  Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through telephone, text and chat services. Read about their service offerings during COVID-19 here.
  
  Stuck in quarantine with your homophobic or transphobic family? Here are some tips on things you may be considering. 

  Also check out:

  • The Pride Centre of Edmonton
  • The Rainbow Alliance for Youth of Edmonton
  • Centre for Sexuality (Calgary)
  • LGBTQ Resources (Calgary)
• Resources for Black Youth

  Black communities have dealt with multiple sources of stress over the last few months. The Black community has spear-headed an international anti-racist movement, led primarily by Black youth. While this brings together feelings of strength and support from the community, it has also taken a lot of emotional labour to lead this movement and it can be very draining to see photos and videos of systemic violence towards people who look like you. Socioeconomic and health inequities in Black communities have also led to higher risk of COVID-19 in many predominantly Black communities. Many Black youth are feeling worried about their family members’ health - especially those who have families in areas with high COVID rates. 
  
  The Black Youth Helpline connects you to professional services. An initial intake followed by a professional assessment helps identify root causes of issues and challenges, and a support plan is then developed. Services in French and other languages are available upon request, and the line is open daily from 9AM-10PM. Call 1-833-294-8650.
  
  This list of mental health resources for Black Canadians is comprehensive and detailed. 
  
  The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is "a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves."
  
  Therapy for Black Men collects podcasts, literature, think pieces and more into one easy-to-navigate space.
  
  Grief is a Direct Impact of Racism: Eight Ways to Support Yourself is an article by Global Health Prof. Roberta K. Timothy, and outlines self-care strategies based on her 20+ years' experience as a health researcher and mental health professional. 
  
  The Come Up is a hub of African and Caribbean communities in Edmonton, stemming from the youth collective of the local Africa Centre. They come together "to create and strategize community-based solutions to issues and challenges relevant to our experiences." Watch their documentary below, or check out their Little Black Book, a working directory that highlights local ACB businesses, organizations, and services.
  
  

• Resources for Indigenous Youth
  We Matter is an Indigenous youth-led and nationally registered organization dedicated to Indigenous youth support, hope and life promotion. They're a place to help Indigenous youth get through hard times, whether you need support yourself or want to support someone you know.
  
  
  
  Alberta Health Services has compiled important COVID-19 Information for Indigenous Peoples & Communities. 
  
  Indigenous Services Canada has developed a video series on COVID-19 that covers topics like how to stay healthy, and how to access services and benefits.
  
  The First Nations Health Authority has published a resource titled Drawing on Indigenous Strengths to Stay Connected and Well that guides the reader to stay connected through the pandemic. 
  
  Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
  
  This one's a long read, but worth the time: The First Nations Mental Wellness Framework.
   
• Resources for Asian Youth

  Mental Health Mukbang is a video/podcast from the Asian Mental Health Collective that breaks down big mental health ideas into easily digestible sound bites. 
  
  The Asian Canadian Therapist Directory is a new resource from the Asian Mental Health Collective...and it's exactly what it sounds like! 
  
  Punjabi Community Health Services Calgary provides a number of programs, including alcohol and opioid support, men's domestic violence, a woman's growth circle, and a peer support program. From their website: "PCHS Calgary’s Integrated Holistic Service Delivery Model incorporates a foundational understanding of the differences between South Asian and Western cultures which impact the delivery of social and health care services. This model recognizes South Asian cultural norms of defining illness, acknowledging social problems and seeking resolution, and leverages these to deliver services in a culturally appropriate manner." 
  
  Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op (MCHB) began 25 years ago to support Edmonton’s newcomers and enhance the health and well-being of families. Their cultural brokers "are from immigrant communities, and know first hand the social, economic, and language difficulties that immigrants and refugees face." Notably, they offer an Immigrant Youth and Mental Health program.    

• Resources for Youth in Rural Communities

  Start with the Rural Mental Health Project's comprehensive list of resources that you can filter by basic needs, culture, building wellbeing, environment, and livelihood.
  
  Learn more about Alberta Health Services Community Addiction and Mental Health program. The program serves residents of rural communities to the South, North, East and West of Calgary with moderate to severe mental illness and/or addiction presentation. Clinicians work over the telephone to help people navigate the Addiction and Mental Health system in rural areas. Please note, these services are non-urgent. 
  
  Read Clayton Murphy's article, How COVID-19 Could Change Mental Health Resources for Rural and Remote Communities in which he makes a case for community supports and champions the needs of those living outside of major city centres. 

• Resources for Parents
  

  If you think your child or teen may be struggling with their mental health, the award-winning Be There resource can help you start a safe, productive, and effective conversation.
  
  My Anxiety Plan for Children & Teens is an online resource that uses cognitive behavioural therapy practices to help parents "coach" adolescents or teens through anxiety. 
  
  The Alberta Government's Children’s Mental Health Learning Series uses video and articles to support parents or caregivers who may be supporting a young person who is struggling with their mental health. Part 1 focuses on early brain development and environmental impacts in the early years. Part 2 emphasizes the adolescent brain and mental health and wellness challenges for youth.
  
  Also see these articles:

  • 3 tips to support youth with back to school during COVID-19
  • Helping children cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak
  • Supporting your child’s mental health as they return to school during COVID-19 
• Health and Wellness Apps
  

  Wellness Together Canada provides tools and resources to help Canadians with their health and wellness during stressful times. These include modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues. https://ca.portal.gs/
  
  Wellness Together Canada offers the following at no cost to Canadians:

  1. Wellness self-assessment and tracking.
  2. Self-guided courses, apps, and other resources.
  3. Group coaching and community of support.
  4. Counselling by text or phone.

  Many app-based service providers are opening their digital doors to us for free during the quarantine period. Here are a few of our favourites:
  
  The DoYogaWithMe app is offering two free months of membership for those quarantined by the coronavirus.
  
  The Headspace meditation app is currently offering free content called "Weathering the Storm" for anyone. Right now, all the content is free to access for all K-12 educators, administrators and school support staff. 
  
  The Youper app is an emotional health assistant. The free version uses AI technology to provide you with a chatbot that leads you through cognitive behavioural therapy practices to improve your mental health.
  
  The Nike Training Club app has always been free, but now offers COVID-19 related fitness and nutrition advice in its in-app community. 
  
  The Houseparty app is free and lets you play games and connect with your people in real-time. 
  
  The Netflix Party extension on Google Chrome provides chat options while you simultaneously stream a Netflix favourite with your pals.

   

• Provide Support: Resources for Parents and Educators

  See these resources:

  • Mental Health Training Framework

  
  See these articles:

  • Supporting the young people in your life during COVID-19 (Kids Help Phone)
  • 3 tips to support youth with back to school during COVID-19
  • Helping children cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak
  • Supporting your child’s mental health as they return to school during COVID-19 
  • 7 Tips for Educators Returning to School During COVID-19 from Anxiety Canada.
• MoreGoodDays: Supportive Text Messages from Alberta's Young People
  MoreGoodDays is a supportive text message program for young people in Alberta by Kickstand. After working alongside 40 young people from across the province, a clinical team vetted and approved 365 daily messages written 100% by Alberta youth, for Alberta youth. Young people in Alberta can sign up for free by texting MoreGoodDays (all one word) to 393939 for a daily dose of inspiration and support straight to their phone via text message. Standard carriers fees apply. 
  
  To learn more about Kickstand and MoreGoodDays, check out http://mykickstand.ca.