COVID-19 resources for addiction and mental health sector workers

How we work has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic for most of us, especially for front-line workers in the addiction and mental health sector. Self-care is especially important at this time. We may not be aware of the extra stress caused by this situation, but it's there and only gets worse if we don't do something about it.

Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) has released two Snapshots about the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and addiction sector:

• The first, "Coping with Mental Health and Addiction Issues," covers how the pandemic is challenging people with mental health or addiction issues and showcases statistics on the increasing prevalence of both.
• The second, "Self-care for Staff in the Addiction and Mental Health Sector," gives resources on how to handle the stress of working in this field during the changes presented by COVID-19. It also includes an example from AMHO member, LOFT Community Services, of how to deal with staff anxieties.