A free mental health resource which you can access from the comfort of your own home has made its way to Lambton Kent.
The Canadian Mental Health Association's BounceBack initiative is a self-help program that uses a variety of tools to help residents battle mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
Director of Operations Jim Harris said the program helps users manage their symptoms and improve their mental health through telephone coaching, skill-building workbooks and online videos.
"Often people don't access services for mental health until later-- we want people to know that there are services available and they're very easy to access," said Harris. "They can go at their own pace, they can do it from the comfort of their own home and in front of their own computer, or on their own telephone. So it's a very comfortable, flexible and self-directed program, and you have support while you do it."
Harris said the program offers a variety of practical tips that help you work through some of the challenges people face related to anxiety and depression.
"Some of the things are very common, like reducing negative thinking-- trying to implement the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy into your daily life," said Harris. "So changing how you think can help you change how you act, and ultimately, make you feel better and deal with the ups and downs that go with daily life."
Harris said BounceBack was first adopted by CMHA British Columbia in 2008, and since then, more than 40,000 clients have been referred to the program.
He said it's made a big difference over the past decade.
"The examples from BC are much why it was adopted in Ontario, because the outcomes and the research are very positive for making an impact on anxiety and depression," said Harris.
In partnership with CMHA Lambton Kent, CMHA Ontario Division will be reaching nearly every household in Sarnia Lambton and Chatham Kent by distributing through the mail more than 51,000 brochures about BounceBack.
The program is for those 15 and up battling mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
For more information, click here.
