Suicide Awareness Month

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers mental health as an essential component of living in harmony. We look for professionals and resources when our bodies hurt. However, the symptoms of mental health may not be as obvious as physical pains. That's why we promote the idea of having time or space for yourself. At your own pace, feeling your true emotions and recognizing all the achievements you made. Taking time to settle all the negatives and let go of things less important.

Jennifer Dubowsky L.A.c., the author of Adventures In Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, Herbs, And Ancient Ideas For Today, pointed our how acupuncture help treating mental health from the western perspective:

1. Acupuncture raises the level of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are chemicals naturally produced in the brain to fight pain. They can also positively affect your mood.

2. Acupuncture can lower blood pressure, induce relaxation, increase circulation, decrease anxiety and treat sleeplessness to help patients better regulate their emotions and responses to stress.

3. Acupuncture can help regulate serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects a person’s emotional state.

What can we do to avoid extremely negative thoughts and the worst situation? Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) recommended these strategies:

Please follow the public health guidelines for keeping yourself well and safe
There is a lot of information through the media, we would encourage you to stay informed and regularly disconnect from continuous news stories
Whether you are working from home or you have been laid off, keep some structure and routine in your daily life, such as getting up at a set time in the morning, dress, do some scheduled activities (see below for suggestions), etc.)
Enjoy social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, browsing on the internet, Television and use them for diversion and connection; and take some time out too. Try to limit solitary activities and make sure you connect with others where possible. Maintain physical distancing while staying connected with your loved ones and social network (phone calls, facetime, messenger video, zoom.us, etc.)
It’s hard not to think about the situation all the time and we would encourage you to give yourself breaks from anxious worrying and rumination. There are many Apps that offer meditation, mindfulness practices, yoga, etc. Most apps have a free section and a paying section; usually, the free section is enough (Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, Zenfie, and many, many more). Many musicians, yoga studios, etc. are offering free online classes right now too.
Rediscover the pleasure of reading, drawing, coloring, cooking, knitting, crochet, playing or listening to music, arts and craft. Sing, dance, do nothing, enjoy the sun on your face, do that “thing” you have been wanting to do for so long but never had the time to, etc.
Reach out for help, it’s a sign of courage and wisdom!

Talk to someone:

Distress Centre Durham: 905-430-2522 / 1-800-452-0688

Canadian Mental Health Association: 905-278-9036 / 1-888-811-2222

Crisis Services Canada: Call 1.833.456.4566 / Text 741741

Online resources:

www.suicideprevention.ca/need-help

https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/resources

https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/

https://www.mindful.org/category/meditation/

https://www.fitnessblender.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Bk3WrZBEECHkDreJZ8NmgP2Lp4Zmb0HBjbQpDL2lbXacylC-Xw_yYcDI

Activities available:

Take free Virtual Tours of Museums and Zoos