G4S Mental Health Resources

These are stressful times. Physical distancing, market uncertainty, health concerns for our friends and loved ones and no definitive end in sight - it is no wonder that we are feeling “off” or a little antsy. When it becomes more than you feeling a little off, we want you to take advantage of the resources out there.

“We encourage any employee feeling any sort of depression, anxiety or significant stress, to reach out to our HR team or go straight to any number of local agencies for help,” says Cedric MacKellar, SVP Human Resources. “We provide a number of services that are free to any employee who needs them. There is no shame in reaching out. These are tough times for many and it’s important to keep your safety and health a priority.”

If you are in crisis, please go immediately to your local hospital, call 911 or contact a local crisis centre to seek help.

Compsych Guidance Resources: Mental Health is important. Guidance Resources is available to you and household members 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist with virtually any issue - home, work, or personal.

For access, go to Guidanceresouces.com. If it is your first time, make sure you click on “Register” and then use the Web ID “G4SCAN”

Wellness Together Canada: Wellness Together Canada provides free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed. Learn More Cover Health: Speak to a Canadian licensed doctor over the phone or by video and it’s covered by OHIP. Doctors can deal with most issues remotely thus avoiding the need to travel, long waittimes and risk of exposure to COVID-19. Learn More Cleveland Clinic: Cleveland Clinic is offering Express Care Online through the end of May 2020. This valuable service allows you to connect virtually with their clinicians, using your phone, computer or tablet. Here’s how to get started:

Download the Cleveland Clinic Express Care Online app on your mobile device and “sign up”. When prompted, enter your unique service key: CCC Select “Express Care Online Subscription” and choose a clinician from the list. You will then be directed to a virtual waiting room, and after a short wait, you can talk to a provider in real-time to describe your health concerns.

Kids feel sadness, worry, loneliness and anxiety just like adults. It would be a mistake to think that while they are enjoying time off school they may not be feeling some of the same worries that we do. While some kids love the excuse social distancing gives them to stay home and “veg-out,” others are missing the structure and consistency that comes from their daily routine.

Stay aware. Here are some of the the signs that your child or teen may be stressed: • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children • Returning to behaviours they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting) • Excessive worry or sadness • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits • Irritability and “acting out” behaviours in teens • Difficulty with attention and concentration • Avoidance of activities they previously enjoyed • Unexplained headaches or body pain If your kids need someone to speak with, that isn’t you, encourage them to call Kids Help Phone at 1.800.668.6868.

Kids Help Phone: Whether by phone, text, mobile app or through their website, Kids Help Phone is always open for young people in any moment of crisis or need. They offer free, confidential professional counselling, information, referrals and volunteer-led, textbased support to young people in both English and French.