Call 911 if you are in an emergency, immediate danger, or medical distress. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988. For other needs, call 211 to be connected to mental health and other social services.

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It’s OK not to feel OK

The last few years have been difficult for all of us. Many people may continue to feel sad, stressed, anxious, confused, scared or angry. These are normal and common responses to unexpected or stressful situations.

Support is available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Toronto partnered with 31 organizations to help connect residents to free mental health support

Through this partnership, the City’s Mental Health Support Strategy responds to the needs of children and youth, seniors, frontline workers, as well as those with intersectional identities, such as Indigenous, Black, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ people, who are struggling with isolation, stress and anxiety.

Our partners provide free mental health supports to diverse communities across Toronto. Not sure which of our mental health partners to contact? Call 211 to be connected to the services that will best meet your needs:

 

 

Sometimes sadness, worry and stress can get overwhelming.

There are many services available to Toronto’s residents in need of immediate emotional or crisis support. The options listed below respond to the specific mental health needs of children and youth, seniors, frontline workers, and those with intersectional identities, such as Indigenous, Black and racialized communities.

211 Central
A central access point to be connected to the appropriate mental health and other social services that meet your needs.

  • Call: 211
    • Available 24/7
  • TTY: 1-888-340-1001
    • Available 24/7
  • Text: 21166
    • Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

Support for people who are thinking about suicide.

  • Call or text: 988
  • Available 24/7

Gerstein Crisis Centre

Community-based crisis services for adults age 16+ in Toronto who are dealing with mental health issues and/or substance use issues and are currently in crisis. Also offers online face-to-face support, wellness groups, short term follow-up support, and referrals to other services.

  • Call: 416-929-5200 (language interpretation available)
  • Available 24/7

Kids Help Phone

Confidential professional online, telephone, and text-based counselling to children and youth in both English and French.

  • Call: 1-800-668-6868
  • Text: CONNECT to 686868
  • Available 24/7
  • Facebook Messenger: https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-virtual-support-with-facebook-messenger

Crisis Text Line

Provides text support for young people in crisis by connecting them to trained Crisis Responders. Powered by Kids Help Phone.

  • Text: HOME to 741741
  • Available 24/7

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

Holistic healing services for Indigenous children, youth and families.

Toronto Seniors Helpline (WoodGreen)

A single point of access for seniors and caregivers to receive information, supportive phone counseling, crisis assessment and system navigation by registered professionals. Referrals provided to other services, including Crisis Outreach for Seniors.

  • Call: 416-217-2077 (language interpretation available), long distance: 1-877-621-2077
  • Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Warm Line (Progress Place)

Confidential and anonymous service for adults (18+) who are feeling lonely, isolated, anxious, depressed or in need of a friendly ear. This is not a crisis service.

  • Call: 416-960-9276 (3 p.m. to midnight)
  • Text: 647-557-5882 (3 p.m. to midnight)
  • Online chat (noon to midnight)

Caribbean African Canadian Social Services

Culturally safe mental health services for Black children, youth, adults and families.

  • Call: 416-740-1056
  • Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Across Boundaries

Mental health support and services delivered through Anti-Racism/Anti-Black racism and Anti-Oppression frameworks.

  • Call: 416-787-3007
  • Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hospice Palliative Hotline

Responds to the emotional needs of people who are facing serious illness, including COVID-19, and end of life. Provides service to the person who is ill, their family and those who are grieving. Also provides consultation, education and resources to frontline workers supporting those who are palliative or diagnosed with COVID-19.

  • Call: 905-667-1865
  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • After hours support available in cases of emergency

Crisis Services Canada

Support for people who are thinking about suicide.

  • Call: 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7)
  • Text: START to 45645 (daily from 4 p.m. to midnight)

Distress Centre of Greater Toronto

Emotional and crisis support including help for people who are thinking about suicide. Language interpretation is available for crisis calls.

  • Call: 416-408-4357 (available 24/7)
  • Text: 45645 between 4 p.m. and midnight

Family Services Toronto
Counselling and group sessions available by phone and video for anyone living or working in the City of Toronto. See the Workshops and Groups page for upcoming sessions.

  • Call: 416-595-9618
  • Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hong Fook
An ethno-cultural community mental health agency with a culturally competent team in Ontario serving Asian community members who are 16 years and older. Services include case management, psychotherapy, psychiatry, peer support, virtual group activities and virtual mental health workshops

  • Call: 416-493-4242 ext 0
  • Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Strides Toronto
Supports clients from the pre-natal stage to age 29 and their families, helping them move forward and developing their abilities and skills including those currently or at risk of experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or adjustment difficulties or disorders, including speech and language disorders (preschool only), hyperactivity, attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum disorders, or trauma.

  • Call: 416-321-5464
  • Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Access Point
Mental health case managers and service navigators provide telephone support, referrals and resources for those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges, and are 14 years of age or older. Help is also available to apply for supportive housing or access other essential services such as food, income supports, legal and health supports.

  • Call: 416-640-1934 or toll free 1-888-640-1934
  • Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape

Provides anti-oppressive, feminist peer support through direct individual and group counselling and crisis supports to survivors of gender-based or sexualized violence and their supporters. Free 24 hour, seven days a week crisis line service.

Call: 416-597-8808

Leap of Faith Together (LOFT)

Provides support to people facing complex mental and physical health challenges, addictions, dementia, homelessness or risk of homelessness. Services include: mental health counselling, case management, crisis support, psychogeriatric supports, and housing for youth, adults and seniors.

Call: 416-979-1994

Generation Chosen 

Provides mental health supports, including individual and group counselling, and safety-planning to racialized, marginalized, and disenfranchised young adults from underserved communities.

Call: 647-705-9565

Barbra Schlifer Clinic

The Schlifer Clinic offers individual and group counselling, legal and interpretation services to marginalized populations of women who have survived violence.

  • Call: 416-323-9149, ext. 234
  • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

La Passerelle I.D.E.

Provides a 24/7, COVID-19 call line with linguistic and culturally relevant resource experts to answer questions related to health, mental health, parenting, violence, and support access and referrals to services.

Call: 416-934-0588

The City recognizes that essential frontline workers may be experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety as they continue to provide critical services and supports to Torontonians during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the City has partnered with select organizations to provide additional supports.

For the Frontlines

Fast, free, text-based crisis counseling available 24/7 for health care professionals and essential workers.

If you need support to deal with the feelings of anxiety, stress, fear, isolation, or other difficult emotions you are experiencing during COVID-19, access support by texting FRONTLINES to 741741.

CAMH

CAMH provides a resource page for healthcare workers who have been impacted by COVID-19, as well as a self referral form for support. It also runs virtual sessions, ECHO Coping with COVID, which are designed for Healthcare Providers and Health Professions Students responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

Things you can do

  • Take a breath and stay calm
  • Speak in a low and calm voice
  • Be non-judgmental and show empathy
  • Be aware of surroundings
  • Don’t argue or try to convince
  • A moment of silence can help them reflect on their emotions and make decisions
  • Shift the conversation to the future (For example: “what can we do to help you feel better?”)
  • If de-escalation is not working – stop
  • If you feel unsafe, leave and call 911 for help

Where can I get help?

ConnexOntario

24/7 service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol and/or mental health.

CrisisText Line

24/7 text-based mental health support and crisis intervention to support people in their moments of need.

Gerstein Crisis Centre

24/7 telephone support, in-person mobile crisis team, community support referrals, substance use crisis management, follow-up, and access to short-term crisis beds.

Kids Help Phone

Canada’s only 24/7 eMental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French.

Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS)

Community-based service with multidisciplinary teams of crisis workers who will respond to non-emergency calls from people in crisis and requests for wellbeing checks.

Toronto Distress Centre

24/7 telephone support. The point of first access for community individuals in crisis requiring emotional first aid.

Toronto Seniors Helpline

Single point of access for seniors and caregivers to receive information and access to community, home, and crisis services.

Talk Suicide Canada

24-hour, bilingual support to anyone who is facing suicide.

  • Call: 1-833-456-4566
  • Text: START to 45645 (4 p.m. to midnight)
  • Visit: TalkSuicide.ca

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape

24/7 crisis line service. Anti-oppressive, feminist peer support through direct individual and group counselling and crisis supports to survivors of gender-based or sexualized violence and their supporters.

  • Call: 416-597-8808
  • Text: (Wednesday to Friday from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
  • Visit: trccmwar.ca

The Works by Toronto Public Health

Programs and services to reduce drug-related harm for people who use drugs, including preventing the spread of communicable diseases:

  • Harm reduction supplies and counselling
  • Opioid substitution clinic
  • Injectable opioid agonist treatment program (iOAT Program)
  • Naloxone kits and overdose response training (POINT Program)
  • Supervised injection services
  • Nursing services
  • Drug checking service
  • Resources and more
  • Call: 416-392-0520
  • Visit: Toronto.ca – The Works

The last few years have challenged everyone’s ability to cope as people experienced and continue to experience new life stressors or worsening of existing ones. Managing stress is more difficult when we are taken out of our regular routines, dealing with a constantly changing situation and distanced from our usual supports.

General Coping

Specific Stressors

The challenges Toronto residents face are often experienced differently depending on factors such as race, Indigenous identity, age, and disability.

Below is a list of community-specific resources available to promote mental health and wellbeing. You can use the search function below to find support for Black communities, children and youth, Indigenous communities, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers and refugees, people living with mental health issues, people who use substances, people with disabilities, racialized communities, and seniors and adults.

Community Description
Indigenous Communities Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

416-969-8510 ext. 3290

Holistic healing services for Indigenous children, youth and families through video or telephone counselling. Available 24/7

Indigenous Communities Anishinabe Health Toronto

416-920-2605

Walk-In Counselling Services are available at our Gerrard Street location, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m-1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Indigenous Communities Indigenous COVID Pathways Hotline

437-703-8703

Helps connect Indigenous Peoples in the GTA to needed services during COVID-19.

Indigenous Communities Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council

A list of various services available to Indigenous People in Toronto during COVID-19 offered by member agencies.

Indigenous Communities Talk4Healing HelpLine

1-855 554 4325

A culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages across Ontario. Telephone and e-chat provided.

Indigenous Communities First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Line

1-855 242 3310

Immediate, culturally competent, telephone crisis intervention counselling for First Nations and Inuit Peoples. Counselling is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

Indigenous Communities Assembly of the First Nations: COVID-19 Info and Resources
Indigenous Communities COVID-19 and Indigenous Ceremonial Spiritual Practices
Indigenous Communities COVID-19: Strategies to Address Stress and Anxiety for Indigenous Peoples (video)
Black Communities Across Boundaries

416-787-8808

Holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities.

Black Communities Caribbean African Canadian Social Services

Offers a range of social services for Black residents, including mental health counselling. Stay informed about service changes due to COVID-19.

Black Communities Substance Use Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth

416-535-8501 (press 2)

Services for African and Caribbean youth and their families who are dealing with problem substance use and mental health concerns. Registration required.

Black Communities 8 Mental Health Practices for People of African Descent while Isolated Coping during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Black Communities Affirmations and Reminders – Black Youth Project
Newcomers & Refugees Across Boundaries

416-787-8808

Holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities, including those who are newcomers and refugees.

Newcomers & Refugees Caribbean African Canadian Social Services

Offers a range of social services for Black residents (newcomers and refugees) including mental health counselling. Stay informed about service changes due to COVID-19.

Newcomers & Refugees Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services

1-844-493-5839

Provide a wide range of services for newcomers and refugees, including short-term counselling.

Newcomers & Refugees Hong Fook Mental Health Association

416-493-4242

Services to address the mental health concerns of the Cambodian, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Korean and Vietnamese communities, including newcomers and refugees.

Newcomers & Refugees COVID-19: Resources for Newcomers and Refugees
Newcomers & Refugees Multilingual emotional self-care information
Racialized Communities Across Boundaries

416-787-8808

Holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities, including those who are newcomers and refugees.

Racialized Communities Caribbean African Canadian Social Services

Offers a range of social services for Black residents (newcomers and refugees) including mental health counselling.

Racialized Communities Women’s Health in Women’s Hands (Community Health Centre)

Provides mental health and other services to the African, Black, Caribbean, Latin American and South Asian communities in Toronto and surrounding municipalities. Using a feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppressive approach.

Racialized Communities Hong Fook Mental Health Association

416-493-4242

Services to address the mental health concerns of the Cambodian, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Korean and Vietnamese communities, including newcomers and refugees. Stay informed about service changes due to COVID-19.

Racialized Communities Project Protech

1-888-210-6606

Provides online information related to COVID-19, mental health and practical coping strategies for Chinese Canadians. Includes live support by text or telephone.

2SLGBTQ+ 519 Church Street Community Centre

416-392-6874

2SLGBTQ+ LGBT Youth Line

Peer support to LGBT people 29 years and under. Text and online chat is available.

2SLGBTQ+ 2 Spirited People of the First Nation
2SLGBTQ+ Family Service Toronto

416-595-9618

Single session virtual counselling available to all persons 18 years and older. This is an LGBTQ+ service.

LGBTQ+ Pieces to Pathways

Peer-led support program for LGBTTQQ2SIA youth (ages 16-29) who use substances.

2SLGBTQ+ Trans Lifeline Hotline

1-877-330-6366

Peer support for trans and questioning callers.

Children & Youth Kids Help Phone

1-800-668-6868

Professional counselling, information and referrals available 24/7 for young people in both English and French. Counselling over text is also available.

Children & Youth Crisis Text Line

Text: HOME to 686868

Provides 24/7 text support for young people in crisis by connecting them to trained Crisis Responders. Powered by Kids Help Phone.

Children & Youth What’s Up Telephone Walk-in

1-866-585-6486

Free mental health counselling by phone or video for children, youth, young adults and their families.

Children & Youth Bean Bag Chat

Online support and counselling for young adults (aged 16-29) and current George Brown College students (with no age restriction) in Toronto.

Children & Youth Good2Talk

1-866-925-5454

Confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario provided by phone or text (GOOD2TALKON to 686868).

Children & Youth Strides Toronto

416-321-5464

Supports clients from the pre-natal stage to age 29 and their families who are currently or at risk of experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or adjustment difficulties or disorders.

Children & Youth COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub
Children & Youth Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario: COVID-19
Children & Youth Letters of support from kids like you during COVID-19
Children & Youth 13 ways to ease concerns about school during COVID-19
People with Disabilities Progress Place

416-323-0223

Support for people living with a mental illness.

People with Disabilities Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT)

416-599-2458, ext. 291 or email peers@cilt.ca

Peer support for people with disabilities, including those parenting with a disability.

People with Disabilities CNIB

1-800-563-2642

Free virtual programs available to Toronto residents who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers.

People with Disabilities Looking after your mental health during COVID-19 (Council for Intellectual Disabilities)
People with Disabilities COVID-19 Resources for Adults with Disabilities
People with Disabilities COVID-19: Disability-Related Resources for Families
People with Disabilities What to do while in isolation: COVID-19 Resources for the Disability Sector
People with Disabilities COVID-19 and people with disabilities in Canada
People with Disabilities How to stay safe, well and connected: COVID-19 information for people with developmental disabilities
People Living with Mental Health Issues Progress Place

416-323-0223

Support for people living with a mental illness. Find out which services are being offered virtually during COVID-19.

People Living with Mental Health Issues Warm Line (Progress Place)

416-323-3721 (noon to 8 p.m.) or 416-960-9276 (8 p.m. to midnight)

Text: 647-557-5882 (8 p.m. to midnight)

Online chat (8 p.m. to midnight)

Confidential and anonymous service for adults (18+) who are feeling lonely, isolated, anxious, depressed or in need of a friendly ear. This is not a crisis service.

People Living with Mental Health Issues Gerstein Crisis Centre

416-929-5200

24-hour crisis services for adults 16+ in Toronto who are dealing with mental health, concurrent, or substance use issues.

People Living with Mental Health Issues Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

1-866-363-6663

Provides a telephone support line for people across Ontario, and their families, who are living with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

People Living with Mental Health Issues Support Line – Institute for Advancements in Mental Health 

1-855-449-9949 or email support@iamentalhealth.ca

Supportive counseling, system navigation, information and education to caregivers, individuals living with chronic mental illness, and the community as a whole.

People Living with Mental Health Issues Sound Times

416-979-1700

Mental health and addiction services in downtown Toronto provided by people who have histories of mental and substance use issues.

People Living with Mental Health Issues The Access Point

416-640-1934 (Toll free 1-888-640-1934)

Mental health case managers and service navigators provide phone support, service navigation and resources for those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges.

People Living with Mental Health Issues Coping with anxiety and COVID-19
People Living with Mental Health Issues COVID -19 and Mental Health
People Living with Mental Health Issues COVID-19 Mental Health and Addiction Resources
People Who Use Substances Connex Ontario

1-866-531-2600

Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling over the phone.

People Who Use Substances Overdose Prevention Line

1-888-853-8352

Connect with a peer who can stay on the line with you as you use drugs.

People Who Use Substances Gerstein Crisis Centre

Provides 24, 7 support to people experiencing a crisis due to substance use or mental health issues.

People Who Use Substances The Access Point

416-640-1934 (Toll free 1-888-640-1934)

Mental health case managers and service navigators provide phone support, service navigation and resources for those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges.

People Who Use Substances Supervised Consumption Services Locations and Hours

Using supervised consumption services reduce drug overdoses. Services also provide sterile injection supplies, education on overdose prevention and intervention, health counselling services and referrals to drug treatment, housing, income support and other services.

People Who Use Substances Harm Reduction Supplies and Locations

COVID-19 has affected harm reduction services in Toronto. Please check with individual agency websites or call ahead. For example, the following harm reduction programs have modified services during COVID-19:

People Who Use Substances Coping with Stress, Anxiety and Substance Use During COVID-19
People Who Use Substances COVID-19 Mental Health and Addiction Resources
People Who Use Substances Harm reduction during COVID-19 for Indigenous Peoples
Seniors & Older Adults Toronto Seniors HelpLine

416-217-2077

Point of access for seniors and caregivers to receive information as well as access to community, home, and crisis services. Web chat also available.

Seniors & Older Adults Seniors Safety Line

1-866-299-1011

Safety planning and supportive counseling for older adults who are being abused or at-risk of abuse. Family members and service providers can also call for information.

Seniors and Older Adults A Friendly Voice

1-855-892-9992

Empathetic support to seniors who may be feeling lonely or isolated by trained volunteers.

People Affected By Eating Disorders or Body Image Sheena’s Place

416-927-8900

Supports individuals, families and friends affected by eating disorders to overcome barriers and provide effective, community-based services at all stages of recovery.

People Affected By Eating Disorders or Body Image National Eating Disorder Information Centre

416-340-4156

Provides information, resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders. Telephone and online support available.

Black Communities Black CAP

Provides mental health supports education and harm reduction for low income African, Caribbean and Black Torontonians including LGBTQ youth and seniors, and those living with HIV.

Black Communities CEE

Provides black-led mental health grassroots groups with funding to enhance the provision of a variety of mental health services and supports throughout the city.

Black Communities Harriet Tubman Community Organization

Provides culturally relevant emergency and wellness support for young people of African descent.

Black Communities La Passerelle I.D.E.

Provides a 24/7, COVID-19 call line with linguistic and culturally relevant resource experts to answer questions related to health, mental health, parenting, violence, and support access and referrals to services.

LGBTQ2S LGBT YouthLine

Provides multi-week workshop series focused on resourcing 2SLGBTQ+ youth through practical and hands-on support skills in active listening, grounding, boundary setting, and nervous system regulation.

Black Communities Stolen from Africa

Provides online, individual and group discussions on trauma, goal setting, conflict resolution, and safety plan.

Black Communities TAIBU

Provides a hotline for crisis intervention and mental health support.

Black Communities Wanasah

Provides services for Black youth aged 12 to 25 years with mental health concerns and/or substance use challenges, and their families in Regent Park.

Seniors & Older Adults

Children & Youth

People Who Use Substances

People Living with Mental Health Issues

Leap of Faith Together (LOFT)

Provides support to people facing complex mental and physical health challenges, addictions, dementia, homelessness or risk of homelessness. Service include: mental health counselling, case management, crisis support, psychogeriatic supports, and housing for youth, adults and seniors.

Black Communities Generation Chosen

Provides mental health group therapy sessions and safety-planning to young adults from underserved communities.

Newcomers & Refugees Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Provides mental health support, wellness checks, virtual workshops, intimate partner violence counselling and peer-to-peer support through the Multicultural Women’s Wellness Program.

Difficult times call for all of us to take care of one another whether you are a concerned friend, a caregiver or a healthcare worker.

Checking-in On Someone Who is Struggling

The last few years has changed all of our lives in significant ways. If you know someone who is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

The three steps below will guide you. If someone is so distressed that they pose a danger to themselves or others then call a crisis helpline or in emergencies call 911. Learn about how to help someone at risk of suicide.

Step 1 – Ask:

  • Tell the person what you have noticed about them that has been concerning. Just say what you see without making judgements or assumptions.
  • Ask the person whether they want to talk about their situation.
  • Example: “I’ve noticed … and I am concerned about you. Would you like to talk to me about anything?”
  • If the person does not want to talk or tells you that there is nothing wrong, then don’t force the conversation. You can say: “Okay. Just know that you can talk to me if you ever need to.”

Step 2 – Listen:

  • Don’t rush. Take the time to give the person an opportunity to talk about what’s important to them.
  • Use open-ended questions. For example: “What was that like for you?” or “How do you feel about that?”.
  • Show that you are listening not only to their words but their feeling as well. For example: “I can hear that the last few weeks have been really difficult for you”.
  • Normalize the person’s experience to lessen feelings of judgement. For example: “What you’re feeling is a totally normal response to a challenging situation”.

Step 3 – Support:

  • Ask the person if there is anything you can do to support them. Be realistic. Don’t agree to something that you are unable to do.
  • Help the person access any needed resources and services. However, don’t force them to use these supports.
  • Keep what they tell you private (if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others then call a crisis line or in an emergency 9-1-1).

Adapted from: Talking to someone you are worried about and Be there

Supporting Children & Youth

The last three years have been difficult for many of us. Children and youth may feel sad, stressed, confused or frustrated All of these things are natural and common during this uncertain time.

Caregiver Mental Health

While caring for children, people with disabilities, or seniors it’s also important for caregivers to look after their own mental health.

The Ontario Caregiver Helpline provides caregivers with a one-stop resource for information and support. This service is available 24/7. Call 1-833-416-2273.

The Hospice Palliative Hotline responds to the emotional needs of people who are facing serious illness, including COVID-19, and end of life. They provide service to the person who is ill, their family and those who are grieving. This service is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Call 905-667-1865.

Other resources:

Healthcare Workers

Over the last few years, there have been increased demands on our healthcare system which has put healthcare workers under more intense pressure. There are a variety of supports for healthcare workers in Toronto:

  • ECHO Coping with COVID: Virtual sessions to share and learn about ways to build resilience and overall wellness through lectures and case-based discussions.
  • Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: Offers a virtual wellness program which includes videos to support stress reduction and deep relaxation. Designed by the University Health Networks for healthcare workers.
  • The Hospice Palliative Hotline: Provides consultation, education and resources to frontline workers supporting those who are palliative or diagnosed with COVID-19. This service is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Call 905-667-1865.

tips for mental health

  • Have a routine. Structure your day and maintain positive habits.
  • Take deep breaths. Simple breathing exercises can help ease stress. Try breathing in deeply, counting to three, hold for a count of three, and then slowly breathe out, counting to three.
  • Call or connect with loved ones. Lean on each other for support.
  • Exercise, dance and have fun. Blow off steam and boost endorphins.
  • Let in the sun. Open windows. Sunlight can improve your mood.
  • Help others. Volunteer to pick up groceries or walk the dog for a neighbour who is self-isolating. Helping someone else can make you feel good.
  • Stay informed. Check credible sources of information for updates but take breaks when needed. Taking in the news all day can be draining. Unplug for a bit and recharge – listen to music, meditate, read or listen to a podcast instead.
  • Look for the positives. Share inspirational stories of people helping one another.
  • Engage your brain. Do a word search, Sudoku, jigsaw or crossword puzzle.
  • Seek help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out. Community help is available.

Resources:

There are free online mental health programs and interactive tools that can support healthy coping.

This list of mental health apps is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the City of Toronto. These apps are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider. Call a distress service if you are in crisis or 911 in cases of emergency.

  • Togetherall: Anonymous online education and discussion platform offering mental health support
  • Bounce Back Ontario: Guided self-help program using workbooks, with phone coaching support
  • Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health during COVID-19: Offered by the University of Toronto, this short beginner course (1 hour per week/ 4 weeks) provides guidance on handling anxiety and isolation during COVID-19.
  • Mind Your Mind: Mental health website with interactive tools and resources to build capacity and resilience for youth and young adults.
  • WellCan: A virtual hub for mental health resources and tools to help Canadians maintain positive mental, physical, social and financial health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Wellness Together Canada: Access to online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals.

This list of mental health apps is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the City of Toronto. These apps are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider. Call a distress service if you are in crisis or 911 in cases of emergency.

App Description Android Apple
Self-Help for Anxiety Management This app provides a range of self-help methods that work to reduce anxiety. Ways to challenge anxiety provoking thoughts are explained, and ways to incorporate relaxation techniques to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety are reviewed. Android Apple
Stop Panic & Anxiety

Self-Help

This app will assist you in managing symptoms of panic, and will help you develop skills to challenge fearful thinking. Android
7 Cups Anxiety &

Stress Chat

Get free anonymous emotional support and counseling on-demand from trained active listeners and therapists. Android Apple
Relax Lite: Stress & Anxiety Relief This app provides techniques to help manage anxiety, including calming audio sessions, evaluating thinking patterns, identifying triggers and tracking thoughts and improvements. Apple
MindShift CBT

Anxiety Canada

MindShift uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety. Android Apple
MindDoc

Depression & Anxiety

MindDoc is your personalized mental health companion and supports you in phases of stress, depression, and anxiety. Android Apple
Headspace This app will review meditation and mindfulness exercises that will help reduce feelings of stress. Android Apple
Calm App Calm is an app to assist with Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation. Provides support and guidance to experience better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety. Android Apple
MoodTools

Depression Aid

This app uses the concept of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help you challenge the inaccurate thoughts which may be playing a role in your depression. The app also suggests helpful behaviours that may work to reduce the intensity of your distressing emotions. Android Apple
Depression CBT

Self-Help Guide

This app uses the concept of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help you challenge the inaccurate thoughts which may be playing a role in your depression. The app also suggests helpful behaviours that may work to reduce the intensity of your distressing emotions. Android
Sleep Support

CBT-I Coach

This app uses the theory behind Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia. It teaches users to develop positive sleep routines, and to improve sleep environments. It also reviews strategies proven to improve sleep and reduce symptoms of insomnia. Android Apple
PTSD Coach Canada This app provides information about PTSD, allows you to track symptoms, and suggests easy-to-use tools to help you handle stress symptoms. Android Apple
CBT Thought Diary Do you feel like you’re stressed, anxious, sad, frustrated, or unmotivated? The centerpiece of cognitive-behavioral therapy is changing your emotions by identifying negative and distorted thinking patterns. With a thought diary, you can document your negative emotions, analyze flaws in your thinking, and re-evaluate your thoughts. It may even help you recognize ways to deal with your negative behaviors and emotions. Android Apple
Breethe:

Meditation & Sleep

This app provides guided mediations that help to reduce feelings of stress and promote relaxation. Apple

Download information about mental health support during COVID-19 as a PDF (also available in Amharic | Arabic | Bengali | Farsi | Gujarati | French | Pashto | Portuguese | Punjabi | Simplified Chinese | Somali | Spanish | Tamil | Urdu | Vietnamese) or watch an American Sign Language (ASL) translation.