Mental Health, Substance Use, and Stigma

Crisis hotlines 

• Addiction and mental health services - Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington (AMHS-KFLA)
  • 24/7 Crisis Line for Kingston & Frontenac: 613-544-4229
  • 24/7 Crisis Line for Lennox & Addington: 613-354-7388
• Telephone Aid Line Kingston
  • Available from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
  • Call: 613-544-1771
• Maltby Centre:
  • Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for individuals less than 25 years of age. Call 613-546-8535 or 1-844-855-8340
  • Crisis after hours line: 613-544-4229
• Crisis Services Canada
  • 24/7 crisis line: 1-833-456-4566 

Additional hotlines

• Good2Talk
  • 24/7 helpline for post-secondary students. Call: 1-866-925-5454
• Kids Help Phone
  • 24/7 helpline for individuals less than 18 years of age.
  • Call: 1-800-668-6868 or
  • Text CONNECT to 686868
• LGBT Youth Line
  • Available Sunday to Friday 4:00 to 9:30 p.m. EST. - Chat or text: 647-694-4275
• Hope for Wellness Helpline
  • 24/7 helpline for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Call: 1-855-242-3310
• Trans Lifeline:
  • 24/7 helpline for trans people. Call: 1-877-330-6366

1. Stay informed but set time limits for news and social media

The constant stream of social media updates and news reports about COVID-19 can make you feel increasingly anxious and stressed. Take breaks from following news stories and social media and gather updates about COVID-19 at certain times or at regular time intervals.

Sometimes it can be difficult to separate facts from rumours. Use trustworthy sources to get your information:

• KFL&A Public Health
• The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC)
• The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The World Health Organization (WHO)

2. Stay connected to others 

Talking to people you trust about how you’re feeling can help lessen worry or anxiety. Try to stay connected with others using various methods, such as: e-mail, social media, video calls, phone calls, and text messages.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help - visit 211 Ontario for a list of services that may be able to help you get what you need.

3. Maintain healthy routines 

Where possible, maintain aspects of your usual daily routine to promote a sense of safety and control. Our physical health also has a big impact on how we feel. Take care of your body by:

• Exercising regularly. Enjoy a walk, jog, or bike ride while maintaining a safe 2 metre (6 feet) distance from others. If you would like to exercise indoors, search for online exercises.
• Getting plenty of sleep. Also, practice healthy sleep routines by avoiding screens before bed and cutting back on caffeine.
• Eating a variety of healthy foods.
• Limiting consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other drugs. For additional resources about this topic, visit our Getting Help page and our Stay Tobacco Free page.
• Meditating or doing yoga 

4. Look for ways to have fun 

Make time to unwind and relax. Try a hobby that you can do at home or think about how you can adapt a favourite hobby to enjoy at home. You can also try something new- there are lots of free tutorials and courses online. 

5. Support and help others 

Try to be patient and understanding of other people's concerns, worries, or behaviours. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.

Check in on loved ones and community members who may be at higher risk. Ask about their needs and how you can help.

Show compassion for others. Making assumptions about who is responsible for the spread of the disease can be harmful to our community. Stigma can negatively affect the mental health of those who are targeted. 

For parents and caregivers: talk to your children and teenagers about COVID-19 

It is normal for your child or teen to have questions or worries related to COVID-19 and to wonder about the impact for themselves, for schools, and their friends. Conversations about COVID-19 can be tough for parents and caregivers.

For more information on how to discuss COVID-19 with your children, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.   

School Mental Health Ontario also provides tips on how you can speak to your child or teen about COVID-19 and how to foster mental well being.

An important resource for teens is the COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub, created by Jack.org, School Mental health, and Kids Help Phone.

Overall, it is important to listen, respond, and connect to your child or teen.

Alcohol 

• Monitor your use (quantity and frequency)
• Set limits for yourself
• Avoid stockpiling alcohol
• Follow the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines 

Cannabis 

• Reduce how often you use cannabis, if possible
• Purchase cannabis from licensed and regulated retailers
• Follow Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Guidelines

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, take steps such as:

• Avoid sharing joints, vaping devices, pipes, or bongs
• Wash your hands thoroughly, with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before putting any cannabis product in your mouth

Opioids 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been an increase in drug-related deaths. The risk of opioid overdose has increased due to factors such as a more toxic drug supply, less harm reduction services available and more people using drugs alone. It is especially important now to take steps to keep yourself and others safe.

If you do use opioids or other drugs you can minimize harms by:

• Using one drug at a time (avoid mixing drugs)
• Starting with small amounts to test the drug out (start low and go slow)
• Using drugs with other people present, while keeping a 2-metre distance, or connecting with others virtually
• Carrying naloxone and calling 911 if an overdose is suspected

The Consumption & Treatment Services Site provides a space for people to consume substances in-person. If you want to connect with someone virtually and anonymously, you can call the Overdose Prevention Line.

Reach out for help if you want to talk to someone about your alcohol, cannabis or other drug use. Visit our Getting Help page for information about available community supports

Crisis lines and emergency services for domestic or intimate partner violence

•  Assaulted Women's Helpline: 1-866-863-0511, TTY: 1-866-8637868 
• Centre for Abuse and Trauma Therapy - Counselling services available online and through phone for all victims of any abuse or trauma. Call 613-507-2288 to make an appointment.
• Family and Children Services Frontenac, Lennox and Addington - Available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 613-545-3227
• Interval House - Supporting women, children, and youth who have experienced domestic violence and abuse through emergency shelter, second stage housing, and counselling programs. Physical distancing in place and outreach counselling continuing remotely during COVID-19.
  • Kingston Interval House
    • Open Monday through Sunday, 24 hours per day
    • 24-hour crisis line 613-546-1777 or 1-800-267-9445
    • Also offers counselling services
    • Business line:  613-546-1833, ext. 21
    • E-mail info@kingstonintervalhouse.com
  • Lennox & Addington Interval House
    • Call 613-354-0808 or send a text message to 613-449-1080
    • 24-hour crisis line: 613-354-1010
    • E-mail  intervalhouse@kingston.net
• Resolve Counselling Services - Counselling to help youth, adults, couples, and families overcome challenges that affect their emotional and social well-being. Counselling is available by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call: 613-549-7850. E-mail: intake@resolvecounselling.org
• Sexual Assault Centre Kingston - Free, confidential, non-judgmental support for all survivors, 12 years and older, or recent or historic sexual violence. video, telephone, or text counselling available.
  • Call the Crisis and Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-877-544-6424. 
  • Visit the web site for online chat support
  • Text "hello" to 613-544-6424 Monday to Friday 4 to 10 p.m.
• Victim Services of Kingston and Frontenac - Provides immediate, confidential crisis intervention services, practical assistance, information, referrals, and emotional support to persons affected by crime, tragedy or disaster. Call: 613-548-4834