Posted by: Kathryn Hummel
During these unpredictable times, we understand that the ability to access support you would potentially seek in-person isn’t currently an accessible option. As a result, we want to be able to keep our community as well-informed as possible and provide the tools to get you all the support you may need during these times.
Below, we’ve highlighted a list of services that are available within Canada to support your mental health and sobriety. These support services exist to help you keep on track. Please reach out if you are experiencing any challenges and know that you are never alone.
CENTRE FOR ADDICTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH (CAMH) Offers tips, coping strategies and resources to manage your mental health during the pandemic. For more information about CAMH, visit here
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. Mental Health Resources / Mental Health Tips during COVID-19
BOUNCEBACK is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
OVER THE BRIDGE is a lifeline for the music industry’s long-term success. Using the music industry as a conduit, Over The Bridge assists people in cultivating and achieving long-term mental health and addiction recovery goals.
BACKLINE and THRIV have created “Come Together” COVID-19 Crisis” music industry support groups, sharing virtual space weekly on Mondays and Thursdays.
The Zoom sessions will continue to address the anxieties associated with COVID-19’s effects on the music industry, provide information and resources, and support each other during this difficult time. At the end of every meeting, the clinicians will lead a grounding group meditation. To join the meeting, download Zoom, click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/789801804 or, go to https://vevo.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 789 801 804. You can also dial-in to this phone line: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656.
CANADA’S ALCOHOLIC ONLINE MEETINGS Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Closed meeting on Wednesdays and Sundays at 8pm EST. Meetings lengths will be 60 minutes. More meetings will be added if required. They are an audio/video meeting. You can also phone in. Meetings are English speaking. Meetings geared towards Toronto, all cities in Ontario and the country of Canada. But any member, or person having a desire to stop drinking from any part of the world is more than welcome to attend. Please also maintain the tradition of anonymity. Join Zoom Meeting / Meeting ID: 976 676 883 / https://us04web.zoom.us/j/976676883 Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fUIVZtAup
1 DAY AT A TIME – CLOSED MEETING OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS.
They meet at 10 pm Eastern / 7 pm Pacific, 7 Days a Week, SMTWTFS and feature English speaking group members from all around the world. Come along with us! We are an audio/video meeting and feature a 15-minute speaker or topic followed by a group discussion 7 days a week. All are welcome. Great for newcomers, longtimers and everyone in-between.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS – Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization with a multilingual and multicultural membership. There are resources to help addicts meet online or by phone click here for more info.
DANDELION INITIATIVE By and for survivors of sexual violence. Working to prevent gender-based violence through education & advocacy. Tools & Supports for Survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic
GET HELP WITH PROBLEMATIC SUBSTANCE USE – Canada Wide Resources, Provincial And Territorial Health Services And Programs For First Nations And Inuit.
THE UNISON BENEVOLENT FUND provides counselling and health solutions, through voluntary and confidential support services, eligible Canadian music makers are able to access qualified professionals who can provide counselling and other resources to support individuals and their immediate family members dealing with mental health, legal guidance, family and relationships counselling, or work-related concerns. Unison Fund offers a toll-free number to connect Canadian music professionals with resources and support for personal and practical issues. This service is free, anonymous, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Before you make the call, please register with Unison. 1-855-986-4766 Service is available in English and French.
Looking for further assistance on making healthier choices in your life? Head to unisonfund.ca for other related blog posts.
Disclaimer – Please note that information from this site should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
About the Author:
Kathryn Hummel is trained and well versed in the topic of mental health and is focused on bringing more awareness and change to the music industry. She is passionate about the need to take better care of our community and assist in creating more services available to both musicians and industry in need.