Advocacy is more than art.
If you like my work and you are struggling:
Please note that this section is here as a resource. I am not a trained professional nor am I equipped to support folks further than advocacy through my work. If you are having an emergency please contact 911.
If you have additional resources you think should be on this list, please email them to me!
CAMH:
“When it comes to mental health, small changes can have a big impact. Did you know that repeating daily affirmations in the mirror have been shown to activate the brain’s reward centres and create new neural pathways? With practice, our evidence-based resources can help you practice positive thinking to combat stress and deal with difficult emotions.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911 immediately or present to your nearest emergency department.”
Link: CAMH Helpful Practices
Distress lines
When in need of someone to talk to. Operated by various agencies. Open 24 hours a day (unless otherwise indicated):
Toronto Distress Centres: 416 408-4357 or 408-HELP
Gerstein Centre: 416 929-5200
Spectra Helpline: 416 920-0497 or 905 459-7777 for Brampton and Mississauga residents
TTY: 905 278-4890; Languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, PortugueseAssaulted Women's Helpline: 416 863-0511; Toll-free: 1 866 863-0511
Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668-6868; Languages: English and French
Community Crisis Line Scarborough and Rouge Hospital: 416 495-2891 for 24/7 telephone crisis support.
Service borders: south to the lake, north to Steeles Avenue, east to Port Union Road, and west to Victoria ParkDurham Crisis and Mental Health Line: 905 666-0483
Distress Centre Halton: For Residents of the Halton Region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville). Oakville: 905-849-4541; Burlington: 905-681-1488; Milton/Halton Hills: 905-877-1211
Free Mental Health Therapy for Ontario Residents
MindBeacon's Therapist Guided Program is based in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
With more than 40 years of research and practice, CBT is an excellent long-term solution for those suffering from mood and anxiety disorders.
It’s a skills-building approach to therapy, helping you develop resiliency and coping skills to better manage your mental health concerns. It consists of readings, exercises and activities that will help you learn and practice those new skills.
Good2Talk
Support for post-secondary students in Ontario
Good2Talk offers free, confidential support to post-secondary students in Ontario 24/7. You can call or use Facebook Messenger. They offer service in English, French and Mandarin.
Progress Place
“Are you feeling...Depressed? Lonely? Isolated? Need a friendly chat? Want to speak with a peer support worker? Try the Warm Line! The Warm Line is a service that is available for individuals who have a mental health issue and need support”
Hard Feelings
“Hard Feelings is a non-profit social enterprise. We support an innovative, welcoming community of professional counsellors who provide low-cost services and support. Our storefront sells carefully curated books and resources to help build and sustain stronger mental health.”
Harm Reduction Guide
The Icarus Project and Freedom Center’s 52-page illustrated guide gathers the best information we’ve come across and the most valuable lessons we’ve learned about reducing and coming off psychiatric medication. Based in more than 10 years work in the peer support movement, this Guide is used internationally by individuals, families, professionals, and organizations, and is available a growing number of translations. Includes info on mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, risks, benefits, wellness tools, psychiatric drug withdrawal, information for people staying on their medications, detailed Resource section, and much more.
Compass
“Since 1964, Compass Community Services has been a premier provider of exceptional, affordable support services to the local community. With locations in Guelph, Fergus, and Mount Forest, we are committed to strengthening individual, couple, and family life. We assist those dealing with physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; trauma; financial problems; and developmental challenges.”