Wood's Homes Blog

In times of crisis, navigating the mental health system can be overwhelming. Eastside Community Mental Health Services (ECMHS, or Eastside) has offered crisis meetings and single session therapy sessions to individuals, couples and families for 30 years. Today, we also offer support navigating our social and health care systems. 

Parents experience tremendous amounts of stress when their children are facing mental health challenges and are often unclear on where to start or who to talk to. Although we are fortunate to have a number of mental health support services available, families continue to struggle alone as the fragmented nature of the mental health system makes it challenging to obtain the information and supports needed.

During a time when COVID (and all things related to COVID) seems to dominate our news feeds, it sometimes feels like a challenge to also have to deal with the uncertainties and often tumultuous world of raising adolescents. The increasing concern about adolescents’ mental health due to COVID’s increased social isolation and restrictions may make it feel that starting conversations around relationships and sexual health are not high on your agenda right now; however, we know that COVID is here to stay for a while longer and addressing the important developmental changes that occur during adolescence creates a healthy foundation for assisting our young people in navigating this new stage of their development.

With most children returning to school this week, parents are being tasked with yet another challenge in this ‘new normal’ world – how to prepare their children for mask wearing at school.

Read the full blog post for some quick tips and things to keep in mind when helping your child navigate some of the challenges they will face.

Many of our 'normal' day-to-day activities and social interactions have come to a halt as we practise social distancing at home. We're no longer able to go to the gym, enjoy a coffee with friends or visit with family, and our children are no longer able to play with their friends or attend school. 

For some of us, this new reality might present as a welcome reprieve from the hectic pace of day-to-day life, but for the younger ones in our lives, this can be a time filled with anxiety and boredom.

Knowing how to speak to a child about real-world problems at the best of times can be tricky – and when it feels to like nothing is normal and you’re having a hard time managing your own anxiety, it can be even harder. Here are some guidelines for what you’re aiming for when you’re talking to your child about the coronavirus (COVID-19). You might have to change exactly what to say depending on their age, but your goals should stay the same.

As a working professional and parent returning from a trip abroad, it is abundantly clear that the social landscape of the country I left a week ago, looks markedly different from the one I arrived home to 24 hours ago. Like countless other Canadians I am currently self-quarantined and trying to manage my work and family obligations, especially now that my two sons have been ordered to remain home from their schools as well.

We are proud to share a note received from a mother expressing her gratitude to staff at our Acute@Home program (formerly called Emergency Room Outreach) for the care provided to her daughter.

Staff at Acute@Home supported the family throughout treatment while educating them on how to best be there for their child during her journey. The mother expressed how she hopes her message will help other parents and families as they navigate the mental health challenges faced by their children.

This message the first of a series we will be running on our blog – stay tuned for more.

Although these posts use examples from the upcoming Christian holiday of Christmas, the same ideas can be applied to any holiday you celebrate.  All holidays have certain things in common - celebration, tradition, food and family.  Feel free to substitute and adapt whatever meets your family’s needs!

Years ago, when I was working in a shelter for abused women and children, I often volunteered to work what was called the 'Santa Shift' so that my colleagues could be home with their families on Christmas Eve. I was young and naïve, and had no idea that Christmas Eve is a difficult time for so many. The crisis line we operated was busy with people struggling to get through what can be a very difficult season if you are struggling with depression, social isolation, divorce, unemployment or family violence.