On Remembrance Day, we pay respects to men and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict, and peace. It is the first time we are all doing so whilst battling the complications of Covid-19. Given the reflective nature of Remembrance Day, it would be beneficial to keep in mind the mental struggles that people are perhaps undergoing due to the pandemic.
Tips to take care of our Mental Health
- Taking a walk:
Going for a walk around the block can yield therapeutic benefits that can mimic those of meditation. Clearing the mind is a powerful tool that can help ground you, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression that are rather difficult to manage. With each step, you take, try to deliberately notice them, pay attention to your surroundings, and look for the beauty in things around you. A walk is a reprieve from the stressors of life. It is a method of physically removing yourself from stressful situations as a form of taking a healthy break. Whether it be the stressors of work, or a precursory sense of anxiety creeping in, going for a walk allows for an escape so that your mind can re-engage and refocus on what needs to be done so you can continue moving forward.
- Call an old friend:
When you pause to reflect on your friendships, certain people may immediately come to mind whilst others may take some time for your interactions with them to resurface. We encounter many people in our lives who can have such an impact, and this includes old friends – those who have perhaps been there for us in times of need. We may have drifted from these people, but these memories will always remain. Perhaps give these old friends a call. It may naturally feel quite strange given the passage of time and the fact that they may no longer be in our social circles but doing so will inevitably be greeted with warm appreciation and gratitude. I mean, it can be difficult to not feel appreciated when a friend calls you to truly ask how things have been. No ulterior motives, no favours – just purely a social call because they have been dearly missed. It may just be something that makes their day.
- Physical activities
The stress release from exercising can strongly deter the onset or gravity of mental health problems. Whilst it may be plausible to assume that exercise only affects the body, it is important to note that our bodies and minds work in tandem and are consistently communicating with one another. By exercising you release endorphins which help regulate your mood in a more positive and constructive manner. Get at least 40 minutes of exercise daily and you are guaranteed to notice improvements.
- Journaling
The habit of journaling, once formed, yields notable benefits for the mind. During your day, you’re bombarded with thoughts that want your attention and are arguably deserving of attention. Naturally, it is impossible to air these thoughts to everyone and anyone around you. Sometimes a little private journaling can be the platform for you to get these thoughts down onto paper so that they can be acknowledged and properly processed. Some journal during the day, others before bed – find a time that works for you and consider making this into a habit.
Mental Health Counselling | Remembrance Day 2020
While we are taking time to acknowledge and remember
We remain open to serve you on November 11th
Mental Health Counselling for Anxiety, Depression, Grief and more
Our Mental Health Counselling Therapists are trained to see people for a large variety of concerns. Individual counseling sessions are designed to meet your unique needs and personality
Our Counselors provide resources and information as well as a secure and supportive relationship from which we assist you in working through your personal concerns and help you achieve your goals
We only offer individual counselling services to adults at the moment
Telephone & Online Counselling
Virtual Counselling
Telehealth
Clients are now requesting counselling services that are delivered remotely. This means they can access services from the comfort of their own homes, or while away from home at other locations.
All clients from the Province of British Columbia and other parts of Canada can access our services from the comfort of their home or remote location.
Telephone/Online Counselling is a flexible option that can allow scheduling ease when considering barriers such as childcare, transportation concerns, illnesses, or injuries.
In addition to week day appointments, we also offer early evening appointments.
Is Telephone or Online Counseling for Me ?
Advantages:
- Research supports that video counselling is equally effective to that of in-office or in-person sessions;
- Helpful option when leaving the house increases anxiety;
- Convenience;
- Less arrangements necessary to attend appointments;
- Easy access when travelling is difficult;
- Sense of anonymity;
- Access to counselling that may not previously have been available in your area;
- Feeling that you are doing something positive and working toward your personal goals;
- Removing the stigma of attending a face-to face counseling session;
- Reducing fear, anxiety and risks of exposure to viruses or other contagious illnesses read more
Disadvantages:
- There are limitations in assessment and treatment of complex mental health concerns;
- Clients may have to verify if their insurance will cover them for online or telephone counselling;
- Clients describe missing the feeling associated with the drive to the office location (time to think prior to a session);