Google Translate Disclaimer
A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:
Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.
Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).
Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.
Living with COVID-19 can cause anxiety and worry in all of us. Whether you're concerned about the health of your loved ones or worried about what the future may hold, there are mental health supports available to help you through this difficult time.
If you are struggling with your mental health, go back to basics. Eat well balanced meals, get regular rest, and do basic exercises and stretching daily. Having daily small goals, flexible deadlines, and talking to others you trust, might help. There are mental health supports available if needed.
Stay socially connected to friends and family. If you are concerned about meeting in person there are virtual options available such as FaceTime, or even just pick up the phone.
Supports available in Saskatchewan
The pandemic's disruption of life means it can be difficult to start new healthy habits or maintain those that you may have had before. There are lots of simple, everyday activities that, when done regularly, will improve your mental health.
Despite an end to public health restrictions, living with COVID-19 can still cause stress and anxiety in some people. Stress and anxiety is a signal that we have to adapt and overcome challenges in order to protect others and ourselves.
Stress may involve caring for an elderly family member, worrying about your own health or the health of a loved one, boredom, financial concerns, feeling a lack of belonging or connection.
If the stress and anxiety of the pandemic is affecting your daily life, consider adopting healthy habits that are good for mental health. If you are still unable to cope or have underlying mental illness, reach out for help as soon as possible.
Supports available in Saskatchewan
There are many different sources of information about the pandemic, not all of which are credible. Social media makes it even more difficult to find accurate information.
Government agencies and other well-established organizations are staffed by professionals who are held to high standards to ensure that they are providing the best advice:
World Health Organization
Health Canada
Government of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Children will naturally reflect the emotions felt by their caregivers and may not understand why they cannot do the things they normally do. They may not understand why they are not able to be with their peers and why their routines have changed. Here are some tips for supporting children:
The University of Regina's Child Trauma Research Centre has many youth-focused resources for mental health and substance use.
Saskatchewan offers plenty of outdoor opportunities to get together with friends or do solitary activities that support mental health.
Check local community organizations like social media groups, municipal recreation pages or bulletin boards for recreation opportunities.
It can often be difficult to know when it is appropriate to ask others for help. Many other people are likely feeling the same way you are and are waiting for someone to talk about what they are going through. It is important to lean on each other and be open to having conversations about our mental health.
If you do not feel comfortable asking a close friend or family member for help, there are professionals who will listen and provide you with tools to improve your mental health.
Dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 can cause increased stress and anxiety for many of us. In the short-term, drinking alcohol or using drugs might help you cope with these feelings, but it could also make things worse for your health and well-being.
You may have a higher risk of overdose death while using depressant drugs ("downers") that slow breathing.
Smoking tobacco, cannabis or other drugs can make your illness worse if you are infected with COVID-19 or have another illness that affects your lungs.
It can be easy to lose count of how often we are drinking or using drugs when our usual routines and schedules have changed. Try keeping a list or diary of the date, how much you drank or used and how you felt afterwards. There are a number of apps that can help you track your habits, or you can keep track on paper. Avoid stocking up on alcohol or drugs – the more you have in your house, the more likely you are to use it.
Assess your alcohol or drug use
Knowing Your Limits with Alcohol: A Practical Guide to Assessing Your Drinking (CCSA)
Follow these tips to reduce negative impacts on your health and well-being:
Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
COVID-19 Harm Reduction Tips for People Who Use Drugs
Responding to an Overdose During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Preventing Opioid Overdoses - Take Home Naloxone
During the COVID-19 pandemic, children and youth may see the adults they live with drinking or using drugs. They may also be drinking or using drugs more often.
How a parent uses alcohol or drugs can influence their children's decisions about alcohol or drug use. Help children and young people learn healthier habits by modeling responsible behaviour and talking to them about drinking and drug use. Store any alcohol, recreational drugs or prescription drugs in your home where children and youth cannot access them.
To reduce health risks, young people should delay drinking until they reach the legal age. If youth choose to drink, they should do so with parental guidance.
Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
Teen Recovery: What to do if alcohol or drugs are causing problems in your teen's life
Family Service Saskatchewan, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, supports free mental health walk-in clinics. These clinics offer free one-time counselling sessions which are now available by phone.
Walk-in mental health counselling services are available in:
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan Division has set up phone lines to support those who may be struggling in these changing times:
Support information for businesses and workers is available.
We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve
