Prairie Mountain Health provides a range of mental health services for individuals experiencing mental distress, a mental health problem, or a mental illness.
All of our services continue to provide assessment and treatment primarily through virtual means at this time. Psychiatry assessment will continue to be provided virtually, and individuals will be contacted to make arrangements for their appointment.
Westman Crisis Services and the Crisis Response Services continues to accept crisis calls through the 24 hour Crisis Line at 1-888-379-7699 (South) or 1-866-332-3030 (North). Adults 18 and over can call these lines 24 hours a day for emotional and mental health problems, including concerns and questions regarding anxiety and worries associated with the COVID 19 pandemic.
Admissions to the Westman Crisis Service Crisis Stabilization Unit for those requiring it may still occur in accordance with all public health and Shared Health safety protocols. We are also introducing Virtual Admissions for those who may require it, where the standard level of care at our CSU may be delivered via virtual means while individuals remain home.
All of our mental health services continue to accept new referrals for service, and intake workers and CMHWs continue to provide assessment, treatment and monitoring primarily via virtual means.
For more information, or to make a referral for any of our programs, contact us at:
During times of change and uncertainty we all may experience mental distress, which can have harmful effects on our mental health and wellbeing. It is very important to follow public health rules to remain healthy during this time, and this includes taking care of your mental health and wellness.
Maintain a Routine or Structure
- SLEEP – Support a good sleep pattern by having a regular bedtime and wake up time
- DAILY ROUTINE – It can be helpful to have a daily goal or routine to follow. Be sure to build in things to look forward to and enjoy.
- NUTRITION – Having a balanced diet and regular meal times is important to maintain health, as well structure and routine.
- TIME OUTSIDE AND EXERCISE – As the weather warms up, spend time outside getting regular exercise. Exercise, and spending time outside is excellent for everyone’s mental wellness.
We have seen significant changes as we respond to COVID-19.
These changes include the identification of positive cases, new and evolving work processes, frequent communication, changes to our home and social lives and constant media coverage. All of these impact our mental health and well-being.The past few weeks have seen significant changes as our provincial health-care system and public sector respond to COVID-19. These changes include the identification of positive cases, new and evolving work processes, frequent communication, changes to our home and social lives and constant media coverage. All of these impact our mental health and well-being.
In a pandemic, it is normal for individuals to feel stressed. Common stress responses may include feeling afraid (of becoming sick or getting someone else sick), worried, anxious, overwhelmed, tired or unable to concentrate, irritable, sad or lonely.
There may also be physical signs of stress such as headache, muscle tightness or stomach upset.
These are all normal responses and there are many tools and techniques to help you manage these stress reactions and promote positive coping, mental health wellbeing and resiliency.
Tools and Techniques
Validate your reactions
Consider any stress reactions you may be having. Acknowledge the impact that COVID-19 is having on you, and that your thoughts and feelings may change as the situation continues to unfold and change.
Remember you are resilient.
Draw upon positive coping skills you have successfully used in the past and add new techniques. For example, focus on the good work you are doing to help keep yourself, your family, your workplace, and your community safe.
Secure supports
Continue to connect with your supports on a regular basis. Social distancing may require the use of telephone, Facetime and other social mediums. Reach out to those who support you in times of stress, including to spiritual advisors as you wish. Let your supports know when you are feeling stressed and accept their offers to listen or to help.
Make a list of your supports, including your work supervisor and friends and family. Reach out to them when you start to experience stress reactions. Crisis lines are another area of support, and many are available 24/7.
If you have a mental health worker, they are still available for you to reach out to. Call to schedule a virtual appointment with them.
Continue to support one another at work and acknowledge that each person will have their own individual stress reactions. Be mindful of the impact; constant COVID-19 talk can have and limit this in break areas.
Ask how others are doing, listen to their response and offer support. A simple, “How are you doing? I’m here for you.” goes a long way.
Reduce stressors
Being prepared can reduce stress. This includes planning and preparing for your family, child care, food or supplies. Knowing your family is cared for will help reduce your overall stress.
Understanding what is expected of you at work and being prepared can also help reduce stress.
Being self-aware can help you identify the reason for feeling stressed and allow you to develop strategies to reduce your stress. For example, a contributing factor to feeling stressed may be watching the news or reading COVID-19 news or social media stories before going to bed.
Practice self-care
Take care of your basic needs. Ensure you are getting enough rest, eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, engage in physical activity and stay in contact with family and friends. Wash your hands frequently. Do not touch your mouth or nose. Practice social distancing.
Wipe down frequently used surfaces (including your phone and keyboard). Go for a walk, try a new yoga app, keep moving! Listen to music, watch a comedy or learn to meditate. Every day, we can make a difference in our own mental health by being mindful of our self-care.
Should you develop respiratory (COLD or FLU) like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) stay home. In a medical emergency, call 911.
Keep informed
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, know that ongoing and intense work continues throughout the province to contain and mitigate this virus. Daily updates and memos are provided so please stay informed and up to date.
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