For many, the holiday season isn't a time of joy and togetherness. It's a time of financial stress, family dynamics, loneliness, and grief.
However, those suffering mental health and addiction challenges don't need to wait until the new year to seek help. Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare reminds residents they can seek support anytime.
The Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre is open for those 16 and older at 1030 Ouellette Avenue. Crisis Walk-in Services are available seven days a week, including New Year's Day, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Crisis Telephone Line, 519-973-4435, is open 24 hours a day.
For those under 18, the Regional Children's Centre has its Starting Point Counseling Walk-In Clinic. It offers quick, confidential access to mental health services for children, youth and their families. The clinic's number is 519-257-5437, but in-person services are available at 3901 Connaught Avenue from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on December 30 and December 31. Although the clinic is closed on New Year's Day, it returns to regular hours on January 2.
Finally, Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, along with local and provincial police, offer its Mental Health Police Teams to address gaps in existing community services. Each team consists of a mental health worker partnered with a police officer who has special training in intervention for those in severe distress.
The hospital reminds residents they should visit the emergency department if they are having persistent thoughts of suicide or self-harm, acute psychosis medical issues, substance-related intoxication, or severe alcohol dependency.
Children and youth in severe distress should go to Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus if they are under 16 and the Ouellette Campus if they are over 16. In Essex County, Erie Shores Healthcare offers services to all ages.