Mental Health Resources
As Next to Normal deals with a variety of mental-health related topics, we have put together a list of resources for all those involved with the project, including our community. These resources have been compiled through our own research as well as recommendations from Mental Helath advocates consulting on our show, Mental Health first aid training, and a list of resources for artists from The Segal Centre for Performing Arts and Quebec Drama Federation.
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Note that this is not intended to be professional advice and if you are struggling with your mental health we recommend you seek help as soon as possible. We hope you know that no matter what, you are not alone and at the end of the day, there will be light.
Crisis Centres and Hotlines
Montreal Suicide Action Line: (514) 723-4000
Therapy Clinics/Outlets
Montreal Therapy Centre (sliding scale fast intake)
Montreal Open Centre (sliding scale fast intake)
Argyle Institute (sliding scale fast intake)
McGill Counselling Clinic - (open to everyone, low-cost counselling, waiting list does move!)
Better Help (online affordable therapy)
Affordable Therapy Network (online sliding scale therapy)
Social Media Accounts
@The_traumatherapist - an Instagram account with a social justice lens to mental health
@decolonizingtherapy- an Instagram account focused on connecting social justice and mental health
@theshaniproject- a TikTok account with self-proclaimed “Dope AF Therapist” including tips for anxiety, depression and other mental health illnesses
@the.truth.doctor- A TikTok account dedicated to mental health resources from a licensed therapist LCSW, PsyD who has run a rehab centre and shares her first-hand experience with substance abuse
COVID-19 Specific Mental Health Resources
Mental health and psychosocial considerations during COVID-19 outbreak (from the World Health Organization): https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf?sfvrsn=6d3578af_8
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health (free information, tools and resources) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-IgdKJL2sInZEuxeruF7w
Mental Health Tips for Working from Home https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/covid-19/mental-health-tips.html
Morneau Shepell (toolkits for coping with various situations during the pandemic) https://www.morneaushepell.com/ca-en/toolkit-individuals
Accessible and Inclusive Mental Health Resources for Coping Through COVID-19 https://takecare19.com/?fbclid=IwAR1QSQhunMeX0ckkABiLx9MfZsVbNwGwKNKAEMolI41CzVp1QxOirtjLDjs
Articles that Might Help
Mental health and psychosocial considerations during COVID-19 outbreak (from the World Health Organization): https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf?sfvrsn=6d3578af_8
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health (free information, tools and resources) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-IgdKJL2sInZEuxeruF7w
Mental Health Tips for Working from Home https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/covid-19/mental-health-tips.html
Morneau Shepell (toolkits for coping with various situations during the pandemic) https://www.morneaushepell.com/ca-en/toolkit-individuals
Accessible and Inclusive Mental Health Resources for Coping Through COVID-19 https://takecare19.com/?fbclid=IwAR1QSQhunMeX0ckkABiLx9MfZsVbNwGwKNKAEMolI41CzVp1QxOirtjLDjs
Actions to take if you are triggered by something
Consider the following list of supports that you could reach out to if a topic triggers negative thoughts and feelings that upset you.
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Step away and do something for self-care, i.e. exercise and engage in a hobby (reading, art, dance, etc.)
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Talk about it with a trusted personal acquaintance
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Talk about it with a professional counsellor, or therapist
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Talk to a trained counselor at a crisis centre listed above
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Text the Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.ca/how-it-works
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If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you need to know that you’re not alone. Call your local crisis centre. You will also find a list of all Canadian Crisis Centres on the MHCC Resource Hub: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/crisis-centres/canadian-crisis-centres/
Prepare a plan of action in case you are triggered by a topic, piece of the script, or activity by identifying one or two actions (from the above list) that you could take.
Care of language in the creation process
Contact Theatre aims to avoid stigmatizing language, please do your best to take care of the words we use to help make everyone feel comfortable.
