Crisis & Distress Lines
Addiction & Mental Health Services - KFL&A
Crisis Lines open 24 hours, 365 days a year by calling:
- 613-544-4229 (Kingston)
- 613-354-7388 (Napanee)
- website(link is external)
Telephone Aid Line Kingston (TALK)
Confidential & anonymous listening service open every night from 6pm to 2am by calling:
- 613-544-1771
- website(link is external)
Mental Illness in the Workplace
Approaching the Issue
Looking for help at work but don't know where to start, who to talk to, or what to say? Find out how to assess your situation(link is external), and how to help your supervisor(link is external) better understand your needs in the workplace. Check out stories of reclaiming well-being (link is external)at work to find out how others have successfully coped with mental illness.
Concerned about a coworker but not sure how to initiate the conversation? Find out how you can support a co-worker.(link is external)
Find Help Now
LifeSpeak(link is external)
LifeSpeak is a round-the-clock digital wellness tool that provides instant video and audio access to expert advice on cultivating mental and physical wellness, plus extra support such as tip sheets and ask-the-expert webchats. Available to KHSC staff and their families, LifeSpeak makes it easy to access resources that support our resilience and help us to manage stressors and health conditions that affect our personal and work lives. Accessing LifeSpeak is simple. You and your family can access the platform from any computer or mobile device here(link is external). You can also download the LifeSpeak app from the App Store(link is external) or Google Play(link is external).
Anxiety Canada
During this time of increased uncertainty and rapid change, it can be difficult to cope. Whether you are struggling with self-isolation, financial hardship, are working on the frontlines, or are simply feeling scared about the future, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about how to take care of your mental health.
For years, Anxiety Canada(link is external) has been working to develop free digital resources based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that teach people about anxiety and how to cope. We understand how important it is for credible and trusted information about anxiety to be freely accessible regardless of location, background, or socioeconomic status.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our most relevant and most-used resources for you.
MindShift CBT:(link is external) uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety. Anew feature, The Community forum, now enables you to find and offer peer-to-peer support. To learn more about MindShift and install the app click: here(link is external).
My Anxiety Plan: MAP
Here, you’ll find a resource of simple, step-by-step instructions on how to deal with symptoms related to specific anxiety disorders as well general strategies — such as how to get a good night’s sleep or how to deal with uncertainty in your daily life. We have created interactive programs for adults and for your children and teens who may be struggling too.
MAP for Children & Teens(link is external)
MAP for Adults(link is external)
Is a new on-line therapist guided program. Mind Beacon is Free for Ontario residents dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and more. Available whenever and wherever you are, no appointments required.
How It Works:
- Create an account and get started immediately
- Connect with a therapist to create a plan to meet your needs
- Complete your personalized program with one-to-one support
Recognizing Mental Health Issues & Getting Help
The Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace Toolkit(link is external) is a resouce to help recognize when help may be needed and where to get help if you yourself, or a co-worker, are dealing with mental health issues. Learn how to recognize and respond to a mental health distress and crisis situation, find out where to get support and who to turn to for assistance at KHSC, online, and in the community. Trauma-Informed Care for Health Care Professionals(link is external) and Vicarious Trauma & Self-Care Toolkit(link is external) are resources that may help you recognize trauma and provide de-escalation guides.
Getting help at KHSC
In addition to your supervisor, there are a variety of options for help and support here at KHSC. For peer support and guidance you can get in touch with a Peer Partner, or for other mental health-related concerns you can visit the Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness department. For harassment, bullying, and discrimination contact an Employee and Labour Relations Advisor at ext. 2365 or email @email(link sends e-mail). Your union is another resource for help.
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Professional and confidential counselling for personal, family or work-related problems is available 24/7 from homeweb.ca(link is external). Call 1-800-663-1142 to make an appointment with a counsellor or to speak immediately with a counsellor if you are in distress. E-counselling and phone counselling are also available. While EFAP's short term focused counselling model of a 4 to 6 sessions is typically adequate for many staff and the issues they are facing, there are situations where more comprehensive/longer term counselling is needed. Effective August 2022, staff will also have access to expanded counselling, up to 20 sessions /hours, through Homewood's Trauma Care Program(link is external) and Depression/Anxiety Care Program(link is external). In addition to counselling, a wide range of services are available through the EFAP Life Smart Coaching(link is external) services that assist you and your family in addressing issues that may affect your well-being. Financial and career counselling, legal consultation with a lawyer, child and elder care resources, nutritional counselling, and assistance with smoking cessation are just some of the services available. EFAP services are confidential and free for all KHSC employees. Please review the EFAP Overview(link is external) for additional information.
Getting help in the Community
Visit the Resources page for a comprehensive list of support services available to assist with mental health, addictions, and problem gambling in the Kingston area. Find local meetings for AA and NA support groups here:
