If you are in crisis, emotional distress, or at risk of suicide call 9-1-1, go to the local hospital emergency room, or call the mental health crisis line at 613-544-4229 or if you are a KHSC staff member, contact Homewood Human Solutions at 1-800-663-1142. Someone is there to help.
During this unprecedented time, where the impact of COVID-19 has been felt by all of us, it is normal to experience stress and anxiety. Although these feelings are common, it is important to learn how to minimize their impact on your health and wellbeing and adopt healthy strategies to cope. KHSC has a number of resources in place to help staff in this difficult time.
As an employee of KHSC, you have the ability to access reliable information and courses to help in these times of uncertainty, financial instability and information overload. Your Family and Employee Assistance Program through Homewood Health is able to provide self-directed care on many different topics relating to COVID-19, including coping with:
Watch a quick tutorial to see the resources available free of charge for you and your family
To access other resources and register for coaching or counselling, visit https://homeweb.ca or call 1-800-663-1142 for immediate support.
The peer partners program is an alternative option available for support when dealing with a wide variety of situations in or out of the workplace. This program is about people helping people. Addressing mental health problems on your own can be difficult, but a non-judgmental peer can help provide confidential emotional first aid, help the employee overcome barriers, and guide workers in the direction towards the appropriate care. Visit our Peer Partners page or you can email peerpartners@kingstonhsc.ca
Life SpeakLIFESPEAK provides employees with relevant and up to date information relating to health and wellbeing provided by acclaimed authors and subject matter experts.
Password: lifespeak
During this time of increased uncertainty and rapid change, it can be difficult to cope. Whether you are struggling with self-isolation, financial hardship, are working on the frontlines, or are simply feeling scared about the future, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about how to take care of your mental health.
For years, Anxiety Canada has been working to develop free digital resources based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that teach people about anxiety and how to cope. We understand how important it is for credible and trusted information about anxiety to be freely accessible regardless of location, background, or socioeconomic status.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our most relevant and most-used resources for you.
Here, you’ll find a resource of simple, step-by-step instructions on how to deal with symptoms related to specific anxiety disorders as well general strategies — such as how to get a good night’s sleep or how to deal with uncertainty in your daily life. We have created interactive programs for adults and for your children and teens who may be struggling too.
Is a new on-line therapist guided program. Mind Beacon is Free for Ontario residents dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and more. Available whenever and wherever you are, no appointments required. MindBeacon is the only provider that offers Canadians the full spectrum of digital mental health support, including face-to-face live therapy, therapist-guided programs, immediate crisis support and free resources from the Stronger Minds community.
Everyone has different needs. So, there's no one solution that fits everyone. You choose what works for you.
A group of physicians have created Pause for Providers an online open-access mindfulness program called "Pause 4 Providers" for health providers - in the context of the current stressful circumstances and challenges associated with working in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each session offers short mindfulness practices to help participants to unwind, revitalize and to learn ways to find calm in the midst of the pandemic. The program is open to all healthcare providers, trainees, hospital workers, leaders and researchers.
Wellness Together Canada has created a set of tools and resources to help provide inspiration, advice and/or direction for finding additional supports that range from information, self-assessment tools and the opportunity to speak/text confidentially with trained volunteers and professionals such as peer support workers, social workers, psychologists, crisis responders and other professionals. They have also created a new program specifically for healthcare workers called: MindWell for Healthcare Workers which is designed to teach you the tools to feel confident and capable, remain calm amidst chaos and build resilience and well-being. Short, simple, and effective lessons are provided in 4 weekly modules designed to give you maximum results in the least amount of time.
Where can I get Tested? View Kingston Public Health Site to book your appointment now.
Strategies for Managing Stress and Building Resilience (PDF)
At KHSC workplace wellness is all about taking care of yourself and those you care about. Learn more
