Helpful Links: Addiction & Mental Health

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Here are some helpful links to connect you with organizations that support or advocate for family caregivers in the addiction and mental health system.

Addiction & mental health

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Stigma

A Little Insight	Hearing voices, like left-handedness, is just another characteristic of being human. Young people from the Voice Collective came together to create this stigma busting animation to show the difficulties people who hear voices face and how our acceptance would make them feel less alone.
Bell Let's Talk	The annual Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign iis helping to reduce stigma, and promote understanding about mental health.
Bring Change 2 Mind	Actress & activist Glenn Close co-founded Bring Change to Mind in 2010 after her sister, Jessie Close, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and her nephew, Calen Pick, with schizoaffective disorder. Their mission is to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
Let’s Erase The Stigma (LETS)	Project LETS is an American grassroots organization led by and for folks with lived experience of mental illness, disability, trauma, & neuro-divergence. We establish peer-led communities of advocacy & support; produce resources and educational materials; and aim to protect the civil and human rights of mentally ill folks through policy change. Watch this short video Let’s Erase The Stigma (1:23 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6D3TYM2QZA and learn that “Stigma can be as painful as the illness itself.”

Specific diseases and disorders

Addictions
British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU)	This network has created a resource hub for family members and caregivers who are directly affected by substance use.
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction	This centre was created by Parliament to address substance use in Canada by providing national leadership and harnessing the power of evidence to generate coordinated action.
Connex Ontario 1-866-531-2600	Families seeking to understand what rehabilitation services are available to their loved ones are encouraged to call Connex Ontario. The operator will be able to help identify all available options and can provide families with other helpful information, such as program duration and wait times. Chat service is also available.
Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR)	A national charity founded by parents of children who have struggled with addiction. The organization promotes long term recovery for people with addiction and their families. Parent-to-parent support is available, along with information about addiction and effective treatments and a comprehensive list of resources.
Grief to Action (FGTA)	From Grief to Action acts as a voice and a support network for families and friends affected by drug use in British Columbia.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)	NIDA is a US federal-government research institute that works to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health.
Recovery Research Institute	This American institute is dedicated to the advancement of addiction treatment and recovery.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)	The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres. CAMH aims to revolutionize the understanding of the brain, use evidence to drive social change and optimize care, and inspire hope for those with mental illness. Its work on the causes, biomarkers and treatments for mental illness is respected around the world.
Anxiety
Anxieties.com	This website site has educational and step-by-step solution-oriented information and videos for many different anxiety disorders.
Anxiety Canada	The association’s mission is to promote awareness of anxiety disorders and support access to evidence-based resources and treatment. Its website provides information about anxiety as well as resources and tools to help manage the disorder.
Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario (ADAO)	This association’s vision is to improve the lives of people in Ontario affected by anxiety.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America	This member organization is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research. The Association’s unique interlinked consumer and professional mission focuses on improving quality of life for those with these disorders.
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT)	This organization of academic and clinical practice leaders in depressive, bipolar and anxiety disorders conducts and interprets research in order to improve patient care, educate health professionals and the public.
Bipolar Disorder
BipolarCaregivers.org	Bipolar disorder affects not only the life of the person with bipolar but the lives of those who care for them. Close family and friends can be a primary source of support for a person with bipolar disorder. See A Guide for Caregivers of People with Bipolar Disorder
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)	Learn about the DBSA Wellness Tracker and see the informative Family and Friends’ Guide to Recovery from Depression and Bipolar Disorder on this website.
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario 1-866-363-6663	This Association offers free support and recovery programs to people across Ontario living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Its programs include drop-in peer support groups, recovery programs, family and youth clinical support, early intervention for mood disorders and psychosis, and online tools focused on wellness and recovery.
Mood Disorders Ottawa 613-526-5406	This peer-group organization provides resources, programs, support groups, social and recreational activities for its members and their families and friends.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC)	The Society gives people with mood disorders with a strong, cohesive voice at the national level to improve access to treatment, inform research, and shape program development and government policies with the goal of improving the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders.
International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF)	This website has a good selection of pre-recorded webinars and a book that family caregivers may find helpful, Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Ottawa Network for Borderline Personality Disorder	Has a helpful e-newsletter to keep you up-to-date with news about BPD in our region.
L’Apogée [French]	This association for parents and friends of the person living with a major mental health disorder, is dedicated to helping people who are living with people living who have a major mental health disorder, whether in their family, in their circle of friends, in their work environment, or in their surroundings in general.
L’Apogée [French]	This association for parents and friends of the person living with a major mental health disorder, is dedicated to helping people who are living with people living who have a major mental health disorder, whether in their family, in their circle of friends, in their work environment, or in their surroundings in general.
Concurrent Disorders
Here to Help	Here to Help is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. Since 2003, they been working to help people live well and better prevent and manage mental health and substance use problems.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)	CAMH provides information about concurrent disorders and published a helpful guide, Concurrent Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders: An Information Guide. There is also a book for families A Family Guide to Concurrent Disorders.
Depression
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT)	This guide was written by patients for patients, to help manage symptoms and the journey through care, CHOICE-D patient and family guide.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)	Learn about the DBSA Wellness Tracker and see the informative Family and Friends’ Guide to Recovery from Depression and Bipolar Disorder on this website.
DepressionHurts.ca	This informative website has a helpful Symptom Checklist and Doctor Discussion Guide as well as information for family and friends.
Psychosis Sucks	Need help learning what psychosis is or figuring out how to recognize symptoms? This website is written in plain language.
Depression.org.nz	This website offers information and tools for anxiety and depression.
Esperanza	Find interesting articles about anxiety and depression in this e-magazine.
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario 1-866-363-6663	This family guide is a useful reference, The Choice-D Patient and Family Guide to Depression Treatment
Mood Disorders Ottawa 613-526-5406	Offers support groups, recovery workshops, Speaker Nights, calendars and newsletters.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada	The Society gives people with mood disorders a strong, cohesive voice at the national level to improve access to treatment, inform research, and shape program development and government policies with the goal of improving the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders.
TheLowDown.co.nz	This New Zealand site has videos and ways to help yourself that would appeal to youth. Hear how others have dealt with their depression and anxiety and how they work on staying well.
Depression: An Information Guide	In addition to describing depression, its symptoms and treatment, this guide offers help for partners and families.
What is Depression?	More than a definition, this booklet describes what the symptoms of depression are like, what causes depression, and steps to take toward recovery.
The Choice-D Patient and Family Guide to Depression Treatment	A practical guide for people living with depression. Written in plain language and intended to empower individuals to understand treatment options and engage in conversations about treatment options with health providers.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia and Bulimia Quebec	A non-profit organization whose mission is to provide immediate, specialized and free assistance to people with eating disorders and their families.
Centre for Cognitive Therapy Westgate Shopping Centre 1309 Carling Ave. Ottawa, ON 613-729-0801	Private clinic specializing in eating disorders.
Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre 613-241-3428	Hopewell is eastern Ontario’s only eating disorder support centre and was created in 1999 by three Ottawa mothers who were driven by a common goal to help their daughters overcome their battles with anorexia. They host peer support groups in Ottawa as well as family and friends support groups.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
International OCD Foundation	An excellent booklet calledWhat You Need To Know About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be found here.
OCD Ottawa	A peer-based support network providing support and guidance with resources and treatment for OCD.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD Association of Canada	This organization supports those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those at risk for PTSD, and those who care for traumatized individuals. The Association seeks to build the compassion, awareness, knowledge and tools necessary for recovery.
Veteran Affairs Canada – PTSD and War-Related Stress	In Canada, it is estimated that up to 10% of war zone Veterans—including war-service Veterans and peacekeeping forces—will go on to experience a chronic condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may experience at least some of the symptoms associated with this condition.
Psychosis
Because Your Mind Matters	What is psychosis? A lot of people are afraid of what they don’t know but psychosis doesn’t have to be that scary. Check out a short video and some facts and myths about psychosis on his site.
Early Psychosis Intervention	This website was created with the intent of providing a collective resource about Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) for the province of British Columbia (BC).
Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION)	This Network focuses on the benefits of early treatment of psychosis in Ontario. Visitors will also appreciate the family success stories.
Here to Help	Psychosis can be a disruptive, confusing, and frightening experience. Hearing voices or thinking unusual or disturbing thoughts is common in psychosis. The good news is that psychosis is treatable and here is a toolkit to help your loved ones move forward with their lives.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Society of Canada	The Society works to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research.
Schizophrenia Society of Ontario	This family-based organization provides family support and education, and supports public policy and research in Ontario.
Schizophrenia.com	This internet community is dedicated to providing information, support and education to the family members, caregivers and individuals whose lives have been affected by schizophrenia.
Suicide
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP)	Families in need of resources, guidance and education will find relevant content here. The ultimate purpose of this association is to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour.
Honouring Life Network	This Network is a project of the National Aboriginal Health Organization. The website offers culturally relevant information and resources on suicide prevention to help Aboriginal youth and youth workers dealing with a problem that has reached crisis proportions in some First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada.
Centre for Suicide Prevention	The focus of the Centre for Suicide Prevention is teaching people the information, knowledge and skills necessary to respond to people at risk of suicide.
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)	IASP is dedicated to preventing suicidal behaviour, alleviating its affects, and providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors.
Ontario Association for Suicide Prevention 905-897-9183	The Association works toward reducing the rate of suicide and minimizing the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour by providing information and resources to communities through the province of Ontario.
Reach Out Now	This website provides helpful links with a focus on getting help, reaching out and learn more.
Suicide Prevention Resource Centre	Their vision is to reduce suicide, suicidal behaviour, and their effects, by promoting positive alternatives and healthy coping skills.

Resources for caregivers

Addiction and Mental Health Network of Champlain	The responsibility of the Network is to provide guidance and balanced direction, for those seeking to improve the Addiction and Mental Health System within the Champlain LHIN. To help ensure that the mental health and addictions planning process reflects the needs of clients, family caregivers and service providers throughout the Champlain region, we welcome anyone to attend and observe our meetings
Boycott Normal	Boycott Normal is Ottawa’s virtual hub of information, resources and events for those who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, and those who love and support them. We also promote the urgent need for improved mental health care funding and awareness locally and across the country.
Cannabis Talk Kit: Know How To Talk with Your Teen	Cannabis—legal or otherwise—is a hot topic. Parents who provide their kids with balanced information about the effects associated with cannabis (often called marijuana) can help them make informed decisions. It’s more important than ever for parents to protect their kids’ health and development by addressing this issue early and often.
Caversham Booksellers	This is North America’s largest mental health bookstore, located in Toronto, ON.
Champlain Health Line	Explore healthy living workshops for community members across the Champlain LHIN.
Child Mind Institute	When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. The Child Mind Institute can help you make good decisions for your child and navigate the challenges of parenting. They provide expert guidance on how to respond in the most effective way to the challenges faced by parents. And if you have a child who needs support, they offer resources that can help you get the best care for that child and the best outcome for your family.
Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) 600 Sanatorium Road London, ON 1-877-494-2774	Provides specialized, trauma-responsive mental health and developmental services to achieve the best possible outcomes for Ontario’s children and youth. Services include assessment, consultation, treatment, research and education.

eMental Health	You will find helpful Information Sheets for many Mental Health Topics.
Living Healthy Champlain	This site provides support for people in the Champlain LHIN who have chronic health conditions.
MentalHealth.ca	The focus on this website is the mental health of children, youth and families. The "info sheets" and "screening tools" found here may be helpful. Visitors will also find some mental health service listings for Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
Family Advisory Committee (FAC)	The FAC reports to the Mental Health and Addiction Network of Champlain. This committee is comprised of family caregivers and healthcare providers who are committed to finding solutions to the issues that face clients and caregivers in the addiction and mental health system. Check this link for some helpful free downloads https://www.f-a-c.ca/free-downloads.php.
Heads-Ed	You will find a mental health screening tool and info sheets with explanations of many issues affecting our children and teenagers.
McMaster Health Forum: O nline Courses for Citizens	Understanding how to navigate the health system (12:55 minutes) describes the building blocks of Ontario’s health system as well as how those building blocks are used to provide care in the province. It will ensure citizens, patients and caregivers are better positioned to advocate for the changes they want to see in their system when opportunities arise. There is also a book, Ontario’s Health System: Key Insights for Engaged Citizens, Professionals and Policymakers.
My Cannabis IQ	We know how important it is to make informed decisions about cannabis use–whether for yourself, for a loved one, or for a client. #MyCannabisIQ will help you stay in-the-know about cannabis, its side effects, and the risk factors to keep in mind.
Ontario Patient Ombudsman	Every experience matters. They will do everything they can to hear, understand and resolve your complaint, without taking sides. Working with you and the health sector organizations, they can help prevent the same issues from happening again to others and influence positive change in Ontario’s health care system.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)	Mental Health First Aid is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Just like physical first aid is provided until medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate support is found or until the crisis is resolved. Find an upcoming course that suits your schedule.
Partners for Planning (P4P)	P4P empowers people with disabilities and their families with FREE resources to create meaningful lives and secure futures, firmly rooted in community.
Teen Mental Health	Our vision is to help improve the mental health of youth by the effective translation and transfer of scientific knowledge. Our model uses the best scientific evidence available to develop application-ready training programs, publications, tools and resources that can be applied across disciplines to enhance the understanding of adolescent mental health and mental disorders.
Understanding Mental Disorders Your Guide to DSM-5	This is a guide for anyone who has been touched by mental illness. It provides understanding on what to expect, treatment options, and will help readers recognize symptoms, know when to seek help and get the right care. Featured disorders include autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

Recovery and wellness

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)	CAMH is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres. The centre aims to revolutionize the understanding of the brain, use evidence to drive social change and optimize care, and inspire hope for those with mental illness. Its work on the causes, biomarkers and treatments for mental illness is respected around the world.
Ontario’s First Episode Psychosis/ On Track 613-361-6363 844-361-6363	This First Episode Psychosis Program, called On Track, is a satellite program of The Ottawa Hospital. On Track provides early intervention and treatment for psychosis. The goal of treatment is remission of symptoms and community re-integration, using effective medications as well as other interventions to promote recovery and prevent relapse.
National Empowerment Center	The National Empowerment Center is an advocacy and peer-support organization in the United States that promotes an empowerment-based recovery model of mental disorders.
Rethink Mental Illness	The goal of this UK website is a better life for everyone affected by mental illness. Learn about the challenges of mental health recovery and tools to support it.
Scottish Recovery Network	The Scottish Recovery Network (SRN) was formally launched in 2004 as an initiative designed to raise awareness of recovery from mental health problems.
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)	The Wellness Recovery Action Plan or WRAP, is a self-designed prevention and wellness tool that you can use to get well, and stay well.

Online support for patients and caregivers

Families affected by addiction and mental illness may find connecting with online tools or online communities helpful, such as:
Big White Wall	Take the first step anonymously. Big White Wall was used by 20,000 people in its first year to help deal with feelings of isolation, fear and hopelessness.
Bounce Back 1-866-345-0224	BounceBack offers a free skill-building program and telephone coaching designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. Learn skills to help manage worry and anxiety, combat unhelpful thinking, and become more active and assertive.
Calm	Learn meditation techniques for sleep and stress reduction.
Huddol	Huddol is a community dedicated to helping family and friend caregivers connect with each other, healthcare professionals, and a network of resources. Share your experiences and join a network of experts and caregivers like you.
Mind Your Mind	Mind Your Mind exists in the space where mental health, wellness, engagement and technology meet. We work with community partners and young people aged 14 to 29 to co-create interactive tools and innovative resources to build capacity and resilience.
MoodFX	MoodFx is an interactive mobile-optimized website designed to help people with depression and anxiety by providing simple and scientifically valid methods for monitoring symptoms and functioning. This program is free but a personal login is required.
MoodGym	MoodGym is like an interactive self-help book that helps you to learn and practice skills which can prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Mood Tracker	This app can help you with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. The founder of this app started the site to help his wife have better success tracking her moods after she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Since that time the site has grown to a modest community of users who are keenly interested in their health and wellbeing.
My Health Magazine	MyHealth Magazine is an online health and wellness program for young people, educators and parents. The magazine is delivered through a series of interactive, online resources providing users with access to health and mental health information. E-Learning is also available.
TeenMentalHealth.org	Has information and resources proven to increase the understanding of mental health and mental disorders, decrease the stigma of mental illness and enhance help-seeking efficacy among students and teachers.
The Journal	The Journal is a free, personalized online program to help you stay positive, create lifestyle changes that improve mental health, and solve problems in 3 steps. You’ll learn each skill in a short lesson and then you will work through a task to build practical changes into your life.
Your Life Counts	You’re not alone. No matter what you are going through, we’re here to listen. YLC Online Lifeline is a safe place for you to share anything with us. YLC Online Lifeline is free, confidential, anonymous and secure.

Leaders in change

Bell Let’s Talk	Dedicated to moving mental health forward in Canada, Bell Let’s Talk promotes awareness and action with a strategy built on 4 key pillars: Fighting the stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research and leading by example in workplace mental health.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation	The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding scientific research grants that will ultimately enable people to live full, happy and productive lives.
Canadian Mental Health Association	As the nationwide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness. CMHA branches across Canada provide a wide range of innovative services and supports to people who are experiencing mental illness and their families.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)	The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres. CAMH aims to revolutionize the understanding of the brain, use evidence to drive social change and optimize care, and inspire hope for those with mental illness. Its work on the causes, biomarkers and treatments for mental illness is respected around the world.
Institute of Patient- and Family-Centered Care	The Institute of Patient- and Family-Centered Care envisions a profound change in the way health care is provided to individuals and their families; With every encounter, health and human service professionals work to build on the strengths of patients and families, to enhance their confidence and competence.
Mental Health Commission of Canada	The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a national non-profit organization created by the Canadian government in 2007 in response to a senate committee tasked to study mental health, mental illness, and addiction.
National Institute of Mental Health	The National Institute of Mental Health is the largest research organization in the world specializing in mental illness. There are detailed descriptions of mental illnesses on this site.
Ontario Caregiver Organization	The Ontario Caregiver Organization has been created to help support and ease the burden on caregivers. Its mandate is to provide support to all caregivers, regardless of age, where they live, or the diagnosis, disease or condition of their loved ones.

Legal

A Practical Guide to Mental Health and the Law in Ontario	This Toolkit will provide you with a general understanding of mental health laws in Ontario.
Form 2 Mental Health Act Form 6428-41: Order for Examination	Learn about the use of Form 2, Order for Examination. This online Form 2 document can be filled out and printed by the family caregiver to request that a Justice of the Peace issue the Form 2 to the local police. In certain circumstances, the Form 2 provides police with the authority to take the intended person to be examined by a physician. Refer to the list of local courthouses below to find out when and where a Justice of the Peace will be available.
How to Get a Psychiatric Assessment	When a person appears to be suffering from a mental disorder or experiencing symptoms, perceived to be a danger to self or other, fails to care for his/her own needs, and is unwilling to obtain help, a Psychiatric Assessment may be necessary. There are options for people who want to get an assessment for someone who is refusing to have one voluntarily.
Law Society of Ontario	The Law Society of Ontario provides an online referral service to help visitors find lawyers specializing in certain fields. Do not use this online referral service if you are in crisis, such as being in custody. Please phone LSRS directly at 1-855-947-5255, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Ontario Consent & Capacity Board	This independent provincial tribunal, established under the Health Care and Consent Act, is made up of psychiatrists, lawyers, and members of the public who conduct hearings on matters related to patient consent to treatment, patient capacity to make decisions and function independently, and who is the designated substitute decision-maker(s). Family caregivers can submit applications to the Board or may be required to attend hearings of the Board with a loved one.
Psychiatric Advance Directives	A psychiatric advance directive (also known as a mental health advance directive) is a written document that describes what a person wants to happen if (at some time in the future) a mental illness or psychiatric disorder makes it impossible to communicate effectively or make decisions for themselves.
Courthouses across SDG & Akwesasne	Call your local courthouse to verify the days and times that a Justice of the Peace is available to review .
Ulysses Agreement	A Ulysses Agreement is a voluntary Power of Attorney process that may result in a written health management plan, so that others know when they should help and what helping looks like. Ulysses Agreements have been successfully used by many people with a variety of health concerns, such as: diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness, concurrent disorders, physical illness, or any combination of concerns.

Government assistance, programs and benefits

Canada Caregiver Credit	Do you support a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependent with a physical or mental impairment? The Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) is a non-refundable tax credit that may be available to you.
The Change Foundation	This document, Legislation Supporting Family Caregivers in Canadian Jurisdictions and Selected International Jurisdictions (July 2018) provides a summary of Canadian (pages 6-7) and Ontario legislation (pages 10-11).
Disability Tax Credit	Find out if your loved one is eligible for the disability tax credit on this Canada Revenue Agency website.
Family Caregiver Leave	Family caregiver leave is unpaid, job-protected leave of up to eight weeks per calendar year per specified family member.
Federal Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits	Through Employment Insurance, you could receive financial assistance of up to 55% of your earnings, to a maximum of $547 a week. These benefits will help you take time away from work to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured person or someone needing end-of-life care. As a caregiver, you don’t have to be related to or live with the person you care for or support, but they must consider you to be like family.
Federal Leave Related to Critical Illness	The following questions and answers will be of interest to employers and employees subject to federal jurisdiction.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)	If your loved one has a disability and needs help with living expenses, he or she may be eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program. ODSP offers: financial assistance to help with essential living expenses and has benefits including prescription drugs and vision care.
Ontario Critical Illness Leave	Critical illness leave is unpaid job-protected leave of absence of up to 37 weeks in relation to a critically ill minor child, or 17 weeks in relation to a critically ill adult within a 52-week period.
Ontario Family Caregiver Leave	Family caregiver leave is unpaid, job-protected leave of up to eight weeks per calendar year per specified family member. Family caregiver leave may be taken to provide care or support to certain family members for whom a qualified health practitioner has issued a certificate stating that they have a serious medical condition.
Ontario Family Medical Leave	Family medical leave is unpaid, job-protected leave of up to 28 weeks in a 52-week period. Family medical leave may be taken to provide care or support to certain family members and people who consider the employee to be like a family member in respect of whom a qualified health practitioner has issued a certificate indicating that they have a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death occurring within a period of 26 weeks.

Caregiver support groups

Al-Anon

613-937-4880 Seaway Valley

Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Alateen is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. See District 27 (Seaway Valley) for meetings in Cornwall.

Cornwall & District Family Support Group

613-527-1201

If your loved one suffers from a serious mental health issue, we’re here to help. We meet once a month to talk about the challenges of being a caregiver, in a safe setting where we know we won’t be judged. By sharing, we also learn how to cope more effectively with our loved one’s condition. We have recently added a monthly meeting in Alexandria.

Parents’ Lifelines of Eastern Ontario (PLEO)

1-855-775-7005

A non-profit, family support organization supporting, educating and empowering parents and caregivers of children, youth and young adults dealing with mental health and addiction challenges.

Caregiver organizations

Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness & Mental Health	A fundamental objective of CAMIMH s to engage Canadians in a national conversation about mental illness. They raise awareness and reduce stigma through their Faces of Mental Illness and Champions of Mental Health campaigns.
Caregivers Alberta	As an organization of caregivers for caregivers, we understand how hard providing care can be. Whether you’re looking for someone talk to, trying to find resources or want to better manage the stress of providing care, we can help.
Caregiver Exchange	“I didn’t know where to go.” It’s a common situation for family caregivers to find themselves in. CaregiverExchange.ca gives them a place to turn. It offers them fresh, helpful insights each week. And it provides a powerful, built-in search tool they can use to find relevant support services in communities across Ontario.
Caregivers Nova Scotia	Caregivers Nova Scotia provides programs, services, and strong advocacy for caregivers. A comprehensive guide for caregivers called The Caregiver’s Handbook can be downloaded in sections.
Carers Canada	Our vision is “a Canada that recognizes, respects, and values the integral role of carers in society”. See Mobilizing Action, an integrated and shared plan to address the physical, psychosocial and financial needs of family caregivers.
Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere (FAME)	Since 1989, the Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere (FAME) has been empowering families and caregivers who have a loved one with a mental health concern by providing support, education, coping skills and self-care strategies.
Family Caregivers of British Columbia	This site has some excellent videos of caregivers and pre-recorded webinars.
Family Caregivers Voice	Join Carole Ann Alloway and Sara Shearkhani, Co-founders of Family Caregivers Voice, who advocate for changes in the health care system to improve the lives of caregivers and educate caregivers on their journey through the medical system. See The Stages of Caregiving.
Jack.org	Jack.org is Canada’s only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory. We do this through three globally-recognized programs.
Mental Illness Caregivers Association (MICA)	MICA is a non-profit organization comprised of family members, caregivers and consumers and is committed to assisting caregivers and their members manage the effects of serious and persistent mental illness and/or addictions through education, guidance and support including how to navigate the mental health and/or addiction systems.
Ontario Caregiver Coalition	The Ontario Caregiver Coalition is dedicated to recognizing the importance of unpaid caregivers in Ontario by raising awareness of the value they add to the health care system, and by advocating for improved, fair access to needed supports. OCC strives to be the ‘voice’ of caregivers in the province.
Ontario Caregiver Organization	The Ontario Caregiver Organization was created to help support and ease the burden on caregivers. Its goals include serving as a single point of access to information about existing services, coordinating efforts to provide all caregivers the same accessto support, regardless of age, diagnosis or where they live.
Ontario Family Caregivers’ Advisory Network (OFCAN)	OFCAN supports a network of family caregiver groups who focus on mental health care and addiction services. It promotes relationship building through information sharing, offers educational opportunities and helps to build partnerships between family caregiver groups with the goal of creating a strong voice for caregivers.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)	NAMI is a large organization in the USA that works to preserve and strengthen family relationships challenged by severe and persistent mental illness.
The Caregiver Network (TCN)	TCN connects caregivers by using a platform called Huddol which is a community dedicated to helping family and friend caregivers connect with each other, healthcare professionals, and a network of resources.

Advocacy

A Little Insight (2:40 minutes)	Hearing voices, like left-handedness, is just another characteristic of being human. Young people from the Voice Collective came together to create this stigma- busting animation to show the difficulties faced by people who hear voices and how our acceptance would make them feel less alone.
Mental Health Advocacy Inc.	Mental Health Advocacy Inc. offers useful, up-to-date information and self-help tools & techniques to aid us in our recovery process. This website is offered as a banquet of various complementary practices to explore and learn.

APPs for mobile devices

APPs for mobile devices Available from iTunes or Google Play
Caregivers may find mobile phone apps for mindfulness or meditation helpful, such as:
Calm	Learn meditation techniques for sleep and stress reduction.
Insight Timer	Join others learning to meditate on Insight Timer to help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, manage stress, sleep deeply and improve happiness. Guided meditations and talks led by the world’s top mindfulness experts, neuroscientists, psychologists and meditation teachers.
Headspace	Learn to meditate and live mindfully with hundreds of themed sessions; bite-sized sessions for busy schedules and SOS exercises in case of sudden meltdowns.
It can be helpful for caregivers to learn about mobile apps developed to support people on the road to recovery, such as:
CBT-I Coach	CBT-I Coach is a mobile app designed for use by people who are participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) treatment guided by a healthcare professional. Sleep difficulties are very common among people with PTSD, and research suggests CBT-I provides a great benefit, sometimes with better results than medication.
Habitica	Treat your life like a game to stay motivated and organized! Habita makes it simple to have fun while accomplishing goals.
MindShift	Free app developed by Anxiety BC which helps youth and young adults manage anxiety using step-by-step strategies.
Mood Tracker	This app can help you with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. The founder of this app started the site to help his wife have better success tracking her moods after she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Since that time the site has grown to a modest community of users who are keenly interested in their health and wellbeing.
PTSD Coach Canada	The PTSD Coach Canada app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that can occur after trauma. Family and friends can also learn from this app that provides you with information and self-help tools based on research.
Self-help for Anxiety Management (SAM)	SAM is an application to help you understand and manage anxiety. It will help you to understand what causes your anxiety, monitor your anxious thoughts and behaviour over time and manage your anxiety through self-help exercises and private reflection.
Caregivers may find mobile apps for peer support helpful, such as:
Carefolk	The Carefolk mobile app can help family caregivers to organize care with family and friends, access care tips and engage with peers for support.
CaringBridge	CaringBridge offers a safe and secure virtual space for family and friends to exchange health information and coordinate support for their loved ones.
Huddol	Huddol helps caregivers connect with each other, and with health professionals, in a supportive online community.

NEXT Helpful Links: Other Medical Conditions

Improving the experience of family caregivers in the addiction and mental health system across Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Akwesasne, Ontario.

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