COMMUNITY OUTREACH
I strongly believe in giving back to the community and to give funding to those that change lives for the better. In an effort to provide transparency, below are the organizations that I donate a portions of my profits to on a regular basis. When you support my business I am able to support causes that are important to me. I encourage you to become familiar with these organizations and have provided links so that you may donate as well.
MENTAL HEALTH
& YOUTH SERVICES
BLACK LIVES MATTER
FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
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In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.
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Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.
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Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.
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By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.
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Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe impairment.
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Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds.
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Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age.
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The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women.
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A complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors causes mental illnesses.
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Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.
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Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.
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Mental illnesses can be treated effectively.
Reference
Canadian Mental Health Association
Mental Health Commission of Canada (2013). Making the case for investing in mental health in Canada
I CANNOT DIRECTLY RELATE TO BLACK LIVES...
...but I have committed myself to listening to marginalized voices, coming to terms with my privilege, and overall, building knowledge. It is not enough to dislike racism, we need to work towards anitracism. Below are links to resources I found helpful for myself and are a great place to start. However, don't just take my word for it, do the work yourself.
Stop Asking People Of Color To Explain Racism–Pick Up One Of These Books Instead
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard To Talk To White People About Racism
For Our White Friends Desiring To Be Allies
Sesame Street Racism Town Hall - How Explain Racism To Kids
Scaffolded Anti-Racism Resources
SOME SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS I FOLLOW:
RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Social Services
● Ontario 211 | Community and Social Services Help Line - Find programs and services within your community - call ahead in case they are closed (Ontario-based)
● UHN Friendly Neighbour Hotline 9-5 Monday to Friday; volunteers to deliver meds/groceries/essentials to low-income seniors in need
Online talk therapy
(offering affordable therapy or promo)
● COVID19 Therapists - Facilitating free mental health services for Ontario COVID-19 healthcare providers
● Big White Wall - is a free, online mental health and wellbeing service that helps people who are dealing with everyday stressors or major life events. Available 24/7/365
● Good2Talk - provides confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia. This hotline is also free.
● Greenspace Mental Health - finds you a therapist matched to your needs, available for GTA. Sessions in person or online video (therapy fees apply)
● 7 Cups - connects you to caring listeners for free emotional support 24/7; or be a listener for others
● BetterHelp - offers $40 to $70 weekly plans, billed monthly (can also be via text or chat - not just video call) - US-based, but clients can be from anywhere
● Inkblot - virtual therapy sessions ($37.50/30 min sessions, first session is free)
● Shift Collab - in-person and online options. Sliding scale options. Free initial consult call.
● Real Campus Student Assistance Program (run by Shift Collab). If you are a University or College student at eligible campuses you have access to free therapy sessions. Visit the website for eligibility here.
● Affordable Therapy Network - offering reduced rates, low-cost, sliding scale online therapy options
● Pathway-Therapy - in-person and online options. Currently offering sliding-scales to support a wider range of people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
● Open Path Collective - offering sliding scale individual ($30-$60) and couples and families ($30-$80) therapy options
● New Creations Counseling - offers online therapy for individuals and couples with sliding scale
● Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy - Low-cost therapy
● Hard Feelings - affordable shorter term therapy
Crisis lines
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, please call 911
● Crisis Text Line is free and available 24/7
Canadians text “686868”
GTA: 416-408-4357 (HELP)
Emotional support service for those with chronic mental health problems; Support & crisis intervention services for those currently experiencing distress or in crisis; Family violence response; Suicide prevention services; Emergency intervention and response
● Kids Help Phone - text, phone, chat and other forms of support for young people, 24/7 and in English and French
1-800-668-6868
● Assaulted Women’s Helpline - free at 1-866-863-0511 or TTY 1-866-863-7868, #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus Mobile
● National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence
● Senior Safety Line - 1-866-299-1011 (toll-free)
● The Gerstein Centre (non-medical mental health crisis supports): 416-929-5200
● GTA Crisis Resources - list provided by CAMH
● Mental Health Crisis Line (Canada Wide): 1-888-893-8333
● Canadian, US and, International mental health hotlines