Help a call or a few clicks away
By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
For people facing mental health challenges, there are different options to seek help from the privacy and comfort of home.
For instance, there are places to call to get help. For mental health emergencies, people should call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. But for less clear situations, residents can call Health Link (811), the Addiction Helpline (1-866-332-2322) or the Mental Health Helpline (1-877-303-2642) to be advised and directed to relevant services. These services are toll-free, confidential, and are available 24-7. There’s also 211, the Community and Social Services Help Line, which can be called to connect to community and social services in the area.
Albertans can also use Text4Hope, a text-based messaging service that helps people identify and adjust negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours the pandemic might be causing. To subscribe, text COVID19HOPE to 393939.
Help can also be found online. Indeed, the number of online services is increasing, a trend that has been accelerated by COVID-19.
The government of Alberta announced $21.6 million in funding on May 30 to expand online resources and virtual support for Albertans seeking help for mental health and addiction challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will target various online and phone services to direct people to help, including two new digital platforms.
“Many Albertans have needed greater mental health and addiction recovery support during the pandemic and will continue to need help once it’s over, said Jason Luan, Associate Minister of Health and Addictions, in a statement. “This funding is giving more people free access to support 24-7, and it’s enabling our government to work with our sector partners to develop other innovative supports.”
This includes Big White Wall (www.bigwhitewall.com), an online message board platform where users can anonymously post thoughts or questions regarding anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues. The board is monitored by trained practitioners, known as wall guides, to keep members safe and “facilitate the process of people helping people in an online environment,” according to the company. Anyone with an Alberta postal code can now access the service.
The platform is a way for people to deal with their challenges in a safe environment, said Matt McEvoy, senior vice-president and general manager of Big White Wall for North America, in a statement.
“People come to Big White Wall for support with a wide range of mental health and well-being issues – from anxiety, depression, isolation and stress, to relationship problems and lifestyle challenges,” said McEvoy. “The safety of members and clinical rigour is at the core of what we do, and we have a network of trained professionals to provide 24-7 support for Albertans.”