Do virtual clinic provide mental health care too

1. DO VIRTUAL CLINICS PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH CARE TOO? Mental Health in Simple Words: Mental health is a state of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being that can help determine how we act, think, feel, handle stress, take life decisions, and related to others. Our mental health can be affected by a range of factors including life experiences, family history, or genetics leading to poor mental health or mental illness. How To Take Care of Your Mental Health? Even small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your mental health. When it comes to mental health, self-care can help you get the most out of your life. Here are some useful tips that can help you elevate your mood, stay mentally active, enjoy your life more, and re-balance yourself. Stay physically active. The mind and body are interlinked. Keeping the body healthy and active will have a major impact on the mind by reducing stress, improving mood, improving memory, boosting energy, reducing anxiety, and helping you sleeping better. Sleep well. Make a sleep schedule and try to follow it. Keep all your electronic gadgets away from the bed, before bedtime so that you avoid exposure to blue lights. Stay connected with your friends and family.

2. Practice gratitude. You can do this by writing down all the things you are grateful for. This will help you stay positive and appreciate life’s simple things. Avoid alcohol and other drugs. Talk about your feelings. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Slow down and take a break. Follow relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to control stress. Have a hobby. Set realistic goals. This will help you attain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when you reach those goals. Seek help from a mental health professional. Remember you are not alone and that there are people and resources to help you cope with life when it gets overwhelming for you. VIRTUAL CLINICS AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE Although virtual healthcare services have been in place for many years in Canada, the demand has risen prominently since the COVID-19 pandemic has begun. The national poll conducted by Abacus Data between May 14—17, 2020 found almost half of all Canadians have now accessed a physician using virtual care options and are highly satisfied with the results.People have now started to prefer online medical visits since they no more must wait for long hours in the hospital waiting rooms to see a doctor, possibly expose themselves to hospital viruses or germs, or wait for days to see a doctor even if it is a minor health concern.

3. The demand for online mental health services too appears to be rising as people are confronting the stress and anxiety of the pandemic. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced on May 3, 2020, an investment of $240.5 million to develop, expand, and launch virtual care and mental health tools to support Canadians. Virtual mental health care services allow people to access psychiatric consultations and treatment from the comfort of their homes. These virtual medical services are usually available through individual telehealth clinic websites or applications, and can be attended via phones, tablets, or computers with a few simple clicks and an internet connection. Patients can now access these services for a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD). What Happens During a Virtual Mental Health Appointment? A secure link to join your virtual medical visit will be sent to via email, along with a consent form for mental health examination and treatment approval which needs to be reviewed and signed by you, prior to the online consultation. Your online health care provider will then review and confirm your information. In case of a child consultation, a legal guardian needs to be present along with the child, during the online consultation. Your online doctor will then speak to you regarding your concerns and answer any questions about them. Virtual consultations for mental health are no different than in- person visits, and in some cases, even give patients more confidence to freely express their concerns. People find them easier to attend and will more -likely attend follow up sessions. At the end of the consultation, you will be given a treatment plan and will

4. be offered recommendations and other useful resources. Medications will be prescribed if deemed necessary by your online doctor. However, please note that in case of a mental health crisis, you are supposed to call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or follow the instructions of your mental health professional. Here are some helpful online resources for mental health: Wellness Together Canada – An online portal that offers support for mental health and substance use. Crisis Services Canada – A national network for distress, crisis, and suicide prevention line services. AbilitiCBT – Free for Ontario and Manitoba residents, it offers an internet based cognitive behavioural therapy program. Kids Help Phone – A free, national, 24/7 online mental health service for kids, teens, and young adults across Canada. Canadian Crisis Hotline - 1 (888) 353-2273 Online Peer Support – www.bigwhitewall.ca Get help now. If you are dealing with a mental health issue, we at Meira Care are here for you. Book an appointment with an Ontario Healthcare Provider 7-days a week from the comfort and safety of your home. Please call or text 877-251- 0077. SEEA DOCTOR NOW Disclaimer: The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.