WELLINGTON COUNTY – Not surprisingly, COVID-19 is having an impact on our mental health.
According to Mental Health Research Canada (October 2020), one of the key indicators of mental wellness is our ability to connect with others in a meaningful way.
The study found that people living alone where adversely affected.
The Suicide Awareness Council Wellington-Dufferin has observed that older adults, particularly in rural areas, are often cut-off from their communities and the things that they previously enjoyed.
Many do not have access to technology, transportation and the limits to social gatherings can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
“These factors can contribute to feelings of suicide, self-harm and suicidal ideation,” council coordinator, Heather Glenister said.
“There are many resources in the community.
“Seniors need to know how to access them and feel comfortable doing so. Sometimes, it’s about having something to smile about.”
To this end, the council and the Seniors Centre for Excellence created Mindful for Older Adults.
“It is an uplifting and delightful mini-magazine,” officials say.
The council believes that older adults have important stories to tell.
“Together, they weave a wonderful mosaic of courage, sadness, resilience, grief, joy, isolation, connectedness, tears, and laughter,” officials say. “The tapestry is rich and diverse.
“Mental wellness is one thread among many. Mindful celebrates this.”
Mindful is filled with practical resources, information on suicide prevention, beautiful photos and a recipe or two.
The online version can be found at https://issuu.com/dinny56/docs/mindfuloct2020.
Free print copies can be obtained by calling the Council at 519-239-8902 or emailing suicidecouncilwd@cmhaww.ca.
Community, relationships and hope are hallmarks of the Suicide Awareness Council of Wellington-Dufferin.
For over 20 years, the council has been fostering suicide awareness and creating opportunities for dialogue about life promotion and mental well-being across the ages pan.
