Seniors’ Mental Health First Aid

Here are some resources especially for seniors:

• A Friendly Voice is a free call-in line for seniors 1-855-892-9992. You do not have to be in crisis or ill to call – this is for people who might just crave a chat. The service is manned by volunteers. For more details go to afriendlyvoice.ca
• The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health has prepared the following activities to do while physically distancing https://ccsmh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Activities-to-do-While-Physical-Distancing.pdf This pdf contains excellent links to free resources, videos and articles.
• The Mental Health Commission of Canada has developed a free 14-hour course for seniors and caregivers called First Aid for Seniors’ Mental Health. https://www.mhfa.ca/en/course-type/seniors

Tips to help address anxiety:

• It is normal to feel sad, scared, lonely, isolated and distressed — don’t avoid these emotions, instead notice your emotions but remind yourself you are ok.
• Take time to do other things — read, do crafts/artwork, listen to music, do gentle stretches, go for a short walk for fresh air or sit outside to watch nature. When doing something you enjoy, allow your mind to be present with the activity (what to you see and hear) rather than getting caught up in negative thoughts.
•  Take a mindfulness pause – recognize your feelings, positive or difficult emotions. Then use a healthy distraction; remember a positive memory of a past event or picture a beautiful place you hope to see. Take time to take in all the details. Close your eyes. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel? What do you taste or smell?

Physical distancing can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, frustration and leave us anxious. Seniors without access to social media and video contact tools are particularly isolated at this time during the pandemic.

You don’t need to hold hands to touch someone’s life. #TogetherApart