FINDING YOUR MENTAL BALANCE
Although there has been a glimmer of hope since the advent of vaccines, the struggle to return Quebecers to health and a more “normal” life still requires us to be resilient. Many have had to deal with mental health problems, despite the lack of tools and resources to deal with this crisis that has brought many challenges to much of society: unemployment, lay-offs, job loss, yo-yoing with work hours while caring for a newborn, social distancing, etc.
Fortunately, many employers have put in place tools to counter the impact of isolation and increased anxiety in the workplace. Virtual get-togethers, meetings once a week, more flexible working hours, better work-life balance are some examples.
In the course of our work in the employability field, we meet several types of participants with different life experiences. Many of them do not always have the tools to support their wellbeing and general health, or even the resources that can help them when needed. Sometimes we must defuse situations with the participants and review what their strategies and tools are to feel better.
We all have the first aid kit required by the CNESST. Most of us also have a first aid kit at home. That said, few of us keep a mental health care package at hand.
Why not create a list with important resources near you? It could include the food bank, a thrift shop, a psychologist, friends, family, an employment counsellor, educational support, etc. In addition to the existing resources that can support us in difficult times, why not make a list of wellness activities? Do you find the outdoors comforting? Put it on your reminder list in case you need it. Your kit is also a way to empower yourself in times of trouble.
In my kit, you will find support people but also the calming music of Alexandra Stréliski, as well as the names of several humourists. From Katherine Levac to Jean-Marc Parent, there is nothing like a good laugh to put things into perspective.
Organisations available:
http://www.info-reference.qc.ca/www/Home.php?locale=fr-CA
http://www.douglas.qc.ca/
http://www.qc.211.ca/
https://www.centredecrise.ca/
https://sosviolenceconjugale.ca/fr
https://www.banquesalimentaires.org/
Leisure activities:
http://www.sportsquebec.com/pages/membres-ordinaires.aspx
https://www.banq.qc.ca/services/
https://www.cinematheque.qc.ca/
https://www.adisq.com/
https://www.sepaq.com/
Friends and family:
Author:
Marie-Claire Poulin, Employment Counsellor
Editing:
Patricia Bélanger, Employment Counsellor
Frantzy François-Jeudy, Employment Counsellor
Karim Bouaoui, Administrative Assistant