Talking About Mental Health

Tuesday, 28 January 2020 13:48

It's a great time to put mental health at the forefront and Heart FM recently spoke with CMHA Oxford on ways we can keep the discussion moving year round.

OXFORD COUNTY - Mental Health will be at the forefront of discussions on Wednesday for Bell Let's Talk Day.

It's a great time to put mental health at the forefront and Heart FM recently spoke with CMHA Oxford on ways we can keep the discussion moving year round.

Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator Kathlene Campbell-Conlon says you can always start by being a good friend.

"Actions that we can take all year round, include things like being an active listener when someone is ready to reach out and talk to you, perhaps taking training that is offered, such as mental health first aid and safe talk and increasing your knowledge and adding to your tool kit to help others when they are ready to reach out for support. You can also join a peer support or community group and connect with other people who are on the same journey."

You can also take care of your mental health every single day by doing little things, like getting more sunlight, going outside more often, exercise and eating well are all things that can help you.

Campbell-Conlon says we do have resources available through CMHA Oxford to help you if you are struggling with mental health.

"We have worked to increase access to qualified mental health support through our Oxford County walk in counselling, that is free to residents of Oxford County, they can come and speak with a registered mental health professional about anything that is happening in their life or looking for those tools to build their tool kit for themselves or to support someone they love who may be living with a mental illness. Also coming into some our peer support groups, we have a peer support space here in Woodstock that is available to everyone, even on Saturdays."

CMHA Oxford also offers support over the phone and in person. They have a 24/7 number that you can call if you are experiencing a crisis and speak to a real person. The number is 1-866-933-2023 or you can reach out online with reachout247.ca.

You can find more information about the mental health programs offered by CMHA Oxford online here.