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When you have anxiety or are under stress, it isn’t always easy to figure out where to start or what to do in order to feel better. And it can be even more difficult to reach out to friends or family for support due to the stigma that sometimes surrounds mental health. But it’s important to keep in mind there are lots of ways to treat anxiety, as well as plenty of folks who are willing to help. One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself is acknowledge your anxiety, and then try to develop a few connections.  Below please find some resources that we hope you will find useful:

Physician Health Program (physicianhealth.com)  PHP offers confidential support, referrals and counselling on a wide range of issues, including mental health, relationship stress, substance use, career and life transitions, financial issues, peer support, workplace relationships and concern for colleagues. This is an independent service funded by Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health. Their service supports all BC physicians.  Please check out the website or call the 24-hour helpline at 1-800-663-6729.

Canadian Psychological Association (cpa.caThe CPA provides free psychology sessions for health care workers.  The online list of volunteer psychologists (click or tap here) in BC will help you choose  a professional in your area.

Canadian Medical Association (cma.ca)  Check out the Physician Wellness Hub tab for a list of resources for wellness and virtual peer support groups.

Canadian Medical Protective Association (cmpa-acpm.ca) Provides a link to physician wellness and uncertainty (click or tap here to access)

Physician Peer Support Sessions – Drop-in and Connect  During this challenging time, physicians are working hard to care for patients, their families and communities. The burden of this responsibility is taking its toll with increased stress, anxiety and risk of burnout. Talking to other physicians can help. The Physician Health Program is offering free drop-in Physician Peer Support Sessions via Zoom led by Psychiatrist Dr Jennifer Russel, and Registered Clinical Counsellor Roxanne Joyce. These sessions are facilitated on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 12-1pm PST. Email peersupport@physicianhealth.com to join.

Online programs include:

Moodgym.com.au – online evidence-based CBT course.

Starlingminds.com – digital mental health therapy program

Apps include:

Headspace – a guided sleep, movement and mediation app.

Mindshift CBT – free app to manage anxiety

Breathe2Relax – practice breathing exercises for stress management

Calm or Aura– for meditation and mindfulness

Webinars:

Joulecma.ca:  COVID-19 Series.  An expert webinar series to provide support and guidance for physicians.