We’re committed to promoting and protecting your mental well-being
Updated: December 14, 2020
Alberta’s rising COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations have reached a point where our province must take additional actions to protect capacity in our health system. It is our opportunity and responsibility to pull together and slow the spread of COVID-19. We can do this together.
But we also need to take care of ourselves through this challenging period. That means ensuring we are taking care of our mental—and physical—health.
Text4Hope program
As we navigate through COVID-19, words like “unprecedented” and “isolation” are the norm and can be taxing on your mental wellness. That’s why we’ve partnered with Alberta Health Services, the Mental Health Foundation and Dr. Vincent Agyapong of the University of Alberta to launch Text4Hope—a program to help Albertans cope with heightened stress, anxiety or depression during this time. You can receive daily advice, support and suggested actions from mental health experts to help you build adaptive coping skills and resiliency. Simply text COVID19Hope to 393939 to subscribe free of charge.
While it doesn’t replace other mental health therapies such as medication or face-to-face therapy, these Cognitive Behaviour Therapy based text messages will provide daily support, advice and suggested actions designed to build adaptive coping skills and resiliency. Visit Text4Hope.ca or read our blog to learn more.
Find support through your plan
We encourage you to take advantage of online resources you might have through your benefit plan—this may be an Employee Family Assistance Program or an Individual Assistance Program. Programs such as these offer access to online personalized health, wellness and financial tools, resources and support whenever and wherever you need it.
In the interest of staying well, we encourage our members to visit our Balance® online wellness platform for practical tools and information to continue to support your health. You can access Balance® by signing into our member site.
Fear and anxiety about a disease like the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions, especially for those who already suffer with anxiety and stress management. We’ve pulled together a few tips to help you manage your physical, mental and social health while practicing social distancing or in self-isolation. Learn more on our blog.
Alberta Health Services resources
Online resources are available if you need advice on handling stressful situations or ways to talk to children.
24-hour help lines
- Mental health help line at 1-877-303-2642
- Addiction help line at 1-866-332-2322
- Distress line at 211