We are in the midst of a unique time as a community as we band together…while apart…to look after one and other. For now, all Teen Talk workshops and services are on pause as we all work to flatten the curve. Our team will be working from home, but continue to check emails regularly.
Please note, Teen Talk is not a crisis service. Our email is for program-related questions. If you need help please reach out to the Klinic Crisis Line or the Kids Help Phone for support.
COVID-19 and social isolation is a challenging time and it may feel like things are changing quickly every day. Know that you are not alone, and whatever you may be feeling is what we are all feeling. Now it is more important than ever to focus on taking care of your mental health. Some of your usual ways of coping may not be available, but we’ve come up with a list of things we think can help.
- Take up a new hobby! You might have extra time on your hands, so now is the time to learn a new skill. Just imagine all the wonderful art that is going to come out when this all passes
- Offer to help someone who is more at risk from COVID. Pick up their groceries, clean up their yard, etc. We can still look after each other even from a distance
- Put caring messages up in your windows for your community
- Move your body in a way that feels good. Some of us are used to going to classes, the gym, the pool, etc. as part of taking care of our mental health. This is going to be a big adjustment, but thankfully there are lots of online videos of ways to move without any gear. Plus tons of folks are broadcasting daily living room dance parties
- Remember, it’s okay if your body changes! We are all under a lot of stress, and bodies tend to change when the world changes
- Take breaks from the news and social media. It can feel overwhelming to read so much about COVID
- Connect with friends and family by phone or chat. We are social beings, and while we cannot connect in person, thankfully we now have lots of ways to keep up with people
- Watch your favorite tv shows and movies while chatting with friends
- Connect through video games and discord servers
- Send letters, cards or postcards
- Organize a neighbourhood scavenger hunt. Send it out to friends and have them snap photos of the things they find
- Reach out for help when you need it. Many services are physically closed, but still available by phone or online. When in doubt reach out to a crisis line
- The Kids Help Phone is open 24/7 by phone, online and by txt. Call them at 1-800-668-6868, or txt CONNECT to 686868
- The Klinic Crisis Line is also here to help 24/7. You can call them at 1-888-322-3019 or 204-786-8686
- Teen Clinics ~They are still here to help, but some Teen Clinics have closed, while others are adjusting their hours or how they provide services. They recommend calling before you come. You can find Teen Clinic updates as they happen by checking out @mbteenclinic on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook
- NorWest is providing youth counselling by phone Monday-Saturday, 3:00pm to 8:30pm. Call 204-792-2277 if you need to talk.
- Rainbow Resource Centre is offering by appointment phone counselling
- Sara Riel is offering the Seneca Warm Line if you need to connect with someone, 204-942-9276
- Ray Inc. is open for some services including at the door coffee and bagged lunch, and street outreach sandwiches and harm reduction supplies. They can also be called for support navigating health or income systems, 204-783-5617 ext 206 or email info@rayinc.ca
- Ndinawe is offering small supply kits with things like snacks, bread and toilet paper (depending on what is available at the time), call their outreach line at 204-781-2691.
- The Province of Manitoba launched a free online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program for folks 16 or older. It’s called AbilitiCBT and is for folks experiencing low to mid symptoms of anxiety due to the pandemic
