Monday (Jan. 25) marked the one-year anniversary of the first presumptive COVID-19 case reported in Canada. From that moment Canadians have faced a reality centred on uncertainty and a virus that has created a physical and mental health crisis.
Over the past year, we have faced adversity every day and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
January often proves to be one of the most challenging months when it comes to maintaining mental health. This year the woes of the new year have been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The need to bend the curve of COVID-19 infection in Alberta has become even more imperative because new more contagious variants of the virus have been found in the province.
Stringent public health measures remain in place and our lives are still far from normal. These health measures are essential in slowing the spread of infection and ensuring our health care system is not overwhelmed— But, they have a toll on our mental health.
While we may feel powerless in the face of the overwhelming uncertainty, there are steps we can take to ensure our friends, family and neighbours can maintain positive mental health.
Mental health is a complete state of physical, mental and social wellness and not merely the absence of illness— It will take hard work and community connections to ensure Cochranites can foster positive mental health during the pandemic.
In Cochrane, there is a selection of supports available for those looking to heal and maintain their mental health.
A key resource in town is Cochrane Family and Community Support Services.
The organization serves to connect with and help Cochranites of all ages— This includes providing health and mental wellness support. Cochrane Family and Community Support Services can be reached at 403-851-2250.
Other organizations providing health and wellness support include the Distress Centre at 403-266-4357, Big Hill Haven outreach support at 403-796-6564 and Cochrane Mental Health and Addictions at 1-877-652-4700.
Unique support for veterans and first responders is available in the Cochrane area at the Wayfinders Wellness Retreat. Wayfinders is centred on providing peer-to-peer support and resources for help with mental health and healing from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Our town, province and country will continue to face challenges and adversity in the coming months as we continue to ride out the COVID-19 pandemic together.
Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw has provided a mantra to help us survive these challenging times— It is a message to keep close as we navigate the toll the virus has taken on our mental health.
“We need to face this together and respond to this extraordinary crisis with extraordinary kindness."
