Connections
Discover how you can bond with peers through virtual meet-ups or find a counsellor with these resources
Social connection is one of the most important factors in effectively coping with high-stress events. Fostering connections with others, through professional counselling or peer support, can help you feel supported and realize you’re not alone.
Personal stories
Connect with others by reading these stories of doctors who have experienced mental illness.
Personal Stories of Experience with Mental Illness
This 20-page guide includes key findings and recommendations based on a study of doctors in training with experience of mental illness.
British Medical Association
Peer support
A grouping of virtual chats, support groups, podcasts and videos that can help you to make social connections with those around you.
OMA Peer Support Podcast
The second instalment in a three-part series on burnout, where Burnout Task Force members Dr. Mamta Gautam and Dr. Stephanie Klein discuss peer support.
Buddy Up: Connections to Build Resilience
Guidance on how to create a buddy system, which can help you support one another’s welfare and safety. Social connections mitigate the harm of adversity.
Ontario Medical Association
Brené Brown on Empathy
A three-minute animated video that focuses on empathy and how to ease someone’s pain and suffering through empathic connections.
Brené Brown/RSA
ECHO Coping with COVID
Virtual sessions where you can learn about ways to build resilience and overall wellness through lectures and case-based discussions. Registration required.
CAMH and U of T
The Wellness Connection
Virtual group support sessions that address a range of topics, using various formats. Trained facilitators, many of whom are physicians, deliver the sessions.
Canadian Medical Association
Helping Each Other Through the Pandemic
Tips on how to strengthen your informal peer support skills, including empathic listening and setting boundaries.
Alberta Medical Association
Free counselling resources
Access personalized support, including confidential crisis support, live therapy and other treatments related to COVID-19, with this list.
CAMH Mental Health and COVID
Self-referral for health-care workers who require mental health and/or addictions support due to COVID-related stress. Support includes psychiatric services.
CAMH
Support for Frontline Health-Care Workers
Mental-health resources and confidential supports for health and community care workers, as well as self-referral information to five hospital access points.
Ontario Hospital Association
Psychology Works for COVID-19
A listing of psychologists, organized by province and territory, who are providing free treatment to health-care workers related to COVID-19.
Canadian Psychological Association
Digital Mental Health Support
Based in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, these digital offerings include crisis support and live therapy. Free for a limited time to health-care workers.
Mind Beacon