Coping with Current Events for People in Canada and Canadians Abroad

Support and resources during difficult times

You may be experiencing increased worry, anxiety, or fear as a result of current events. It’s common for events like these to have an impact on mental health and general wellness, even if you aren’t being affected directly.

Remember that you are not alone. Below is a wide variety of resources that may be helpful during this time. All of these resources are free.

Crisis support

If you are in immediate need of support, get in touch with a trained crisis responder. These services are available 24/7.

If you’re in Canada

• Adults can text WELLNESS to 741741

• Youth can text WELLNESS to 686868

If you're outside of North America

• Check this website for a number you can call to be connected to a crisis support line (English only).

• Adults can also access phone counselling from Homewood Health by placing a collect call to 778-372-0189. 

Counselling

Professional counsellors are here to talk to you about anything that’s on your mind. Your conversations will stay confidential. Available 24/7.

• Adults can call 1-866-585-0445

• Youth can call 1-888-668-6810

• Indigenous peoples can call Hope for Wellness at 1-855-242-3310 OR chat online through https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/  

If you don’t have a phone, you can also connect through your computer by using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) such as Skype, Facetime, or Google Voice.

Worry and anxiety in uncertain times

You may be feeling anxious about ongoing events. Even if you aren’t affected directly, you may be concerned about other people or notice that your anxiety is made worse by recent events. 

WTC has resources that offer information and support for a range of feelings and experiences, such as worry and anxiety.

If you are looking for helpful ways to manage your worry, available resources are summarized here, including some immediate exercises.

• This resource can explain what anxiety is, how it’s different from stress, and ways to manage anxiety

• Youth can take this questionnaire on anxiety, which will help them understand their own anxiety and what types of resources might help

If you are experiencing stress:

Stress can be occurring for a number of reasons (such as concern about well-being, health, finances, or people you care about). Although you may not have control over all of these issues, there are techniques that can help with stress. For some examples, visit this page.

If you are feeling overwhelmed:

• Try this grounding exercise for calm, to help you shift focus when you are feeling overwhelmed

• Practice deep breathing to help calm your mind and settle your body

• Try Mindwell’s Take 5 tool for a positive distraction

• Youth can also try this Kids Help Phone glowing body scan or tension release exercise to calm down

If you are experiencing grief or loss

Grief and a sense of loss can come from different experiences, including the death of an important person or a significant change in your life. People can also feel a sense of loss for their homes, jobs, financial stability, or health. Whatever your experience, this resource can provide information and resources to help you navigate through grief and loss.

Grief coaching

If you’d like to talk to someone over the phone, you can reach out to a professional grief coach through Homewood Health at 1-866-585-0445. They will provide you with support and resources to help you manage the wide range of emotions associated with grief and loss.

A resource for youth navigating grief is available on Kids Help Phone.

Canada’s Response to the Invasion of Ukraine

For more information about the Government of Canada’s response to the invasion of Ukraine, please visit https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/response_conflict-reponse_conflits/crisis-crises/ukraine.aspx?lang=eng