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Mental Health Support Resources

June 15th, 2024

Written By: Oncology Simplified Team 

Navigating public mental health resources can be challenging, often feeling like wandering through a fog of uncertainty. Factors such as location and language preferences can add to the complexity. Fear not, though – this guide offers clarity amidst the confusion of Canada's public mental health services.

We recognize the importance of having access to support during challenging times. To further assist you, we've put together a list of apps and tools that can help your mental health journey. These resources are available for free or through subscription, allowing you to access support at home or wherever you are.​

Wondering if it's time to reach out for support?

Mental health is dynamic and can fluctuate over time, making self-awareness crucial. Take a moment to check in with yourself. If you're experiencing the following, it might be time to seek help:

  • Difficulty functioning at work or in relationships.
  • Changes in mood, thoughts, appetite, sleep patterns, or energy levels.
  • Loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities.
  • Struggles in managing thoughts, feelings or behaviour.

Additionally, for cancer patients, there may be specific signs that indicate a need for mental health support: 

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair.
  • Intense anxiety or fear about the cancer diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis.
  • Difficulty coping with the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment.
  • Social withdrawal or isolation from friends and family.
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns unrelated to cancer treatment.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Feelings of guilt related to the impact of cancer on themselves or their loved ones.

Recognizing these signs and seeking appropriate support is essential for promoting mental well-being throughout the cancer journey. 

In a crunch and unsure if it's an emergency? While this tip-sheet isn't a replacement for medical advice, if you or someone you know is facing a crisis, it's time to act fast:

For immediate assistance call 911 or head to your closest emergency department or crisis center 

Need resources, advice or someone to talk to? Here are some publicly funded crisis and mental health support lines:

  • For youth support, dial 1-888-668-6810 or text WELLNESS to 686868. 
  • Thinking about suicide or worried about a loved one? Reach out to Canada's helpline at 988 Get Help | 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline  
  • Assaulted Women's Hotline: Crisis counselling for women and seniors in the province of Ontario. Available by phone (24/7) - http://www.awhl.org/ 
  • Kids Help Phone is available at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868. https://kidshelpphone.ca/ 
  • Indigenous communities can find support through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 (24/7). Home - Hope for Wellness Helpline 
  • Reach out to Trans Lifeline for support at 1-877-330-6366. Home - Trans Lifeline 
  • Good2Talk: Provides confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Available by phone and text (24/7) https://good2talk.ca/ 1-866-925-5454 (Ontario) or 1-833-292-3698 (Nova Scotia) Text: GOOD2TALKON to 686868 (Ontario) or GOOD2TALKNS to 686868 

Some additional public resources: 

  • Self-Directed Courses and Apps: Explore virtual courses and apps like CMHA's BounceBack, offering evidence-based techniques to enhance your well-being. These resources can serve as standalone support or complement other services, providing valuable tools while you wait for additional assistance. Home - BounceBack Ontario 
  • 211: Access a comprehensive database of social services including those for seniors across Canada through 211. Available 24/7 in over 150 languages, this free and confidential service connects you to the resources you need, whether online, by phone, chat, or text. Topics | 211 Ontario 
  • MyGrief is an online resource offering compassionate support and practical tools to individuals coping with loss, guiding them through the grieving process with evidence-based strategies and interactive activities. 
  • Kids & Youth Grief is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to supporting children/youth and families facing the challenges of grief and loss. With practical tools, expert advice, and age-appropriate resources, this website provides valuable guidance to help children navigate their grief journey with understanding and resilience.
  • Provincial & Territorial Resources: Mental Health Support: Get Help - Canada.ca

Explore mindfulness and other ways to relax right at your fingertips with these stress-busting apps: 

  • Calm: Dive into this Meditation and Sleep App, offering a serene sanctuary for your mind with guided meditations, soothing sounds, and sleep stories to help you unwind.Calm - App for Meditation and Sleep | charges apply 
  • Headspace: Tune into podcasts designed to uplift your spirit and calm your mind, offering expert advice and mindfulness exercises to help you navigate life's challenges with clarity and ease. Headspace - Podcasts | charges apply or watch Headspace Guide to Meditation | Netflix
  • UCLA Mindful: Experience the healing power of mindfulness with the MARC | UCLA Health app, featuring guided meditations and mindfulness practices developed by experts to promote inner peace and well-being. UCLA Mindful App | Free 
  • MindShift® CBT: Take control of anxiety with this powerful app from Anxiety Canada, offering practical tools and strategies based on cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you overcome anxious thoughts and build resilience. MindShift® CBT App | Anxiety Canada | Free 
  • Colorfy: Embrace your inner artist and destress with this coloring book app for adults, offering a therapeutic creative outlet to express yourself and relax your mind, all with the swipe of a finger. Colorfy: Coloring Book for Adults - Free 

Mental health is not a one-size-fits-all journey; each individual needs to discover the right resources that best support their healing. Sometimes, it's not just one thing but a combination of practices and routines that work together. Often, we find solace and strength in the power of community, by reaching out to family, friends, or trusted individuals within our circles. The most important step is to start—it's never too late to begin. As you explore some of these resources, you'll encounter compassionate people dedicated to supporting others. By taking these initial steps towards healing, you'll uncover new paths and find professionals who can guide you to additional resources, helping you on your journey to better mental health.​

At Oncology Simplified, although we are not affiliated with any of the above resources, we remain dedicated to pairing you with professionals who have extensive experience working with cancer patients. They understand your struggles and are specially trained to support you through the emotional challenges of cancer exploration or diagnosis. Cancer impacts both body and mind, and our one-on-one consultations provide a safe space for you to express your feelings—be it fears, frustrations, or hopes. We are here to listen, offering the comfort and resilience you need most. Additionally, having a supportive ally can make all the difference in navigating the major obstacles causing you distress. We are here to help. Contact an oncology health expert today to begin your “emotional” health journey with us.

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