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Mental Health & Well-Being

The Mental Health and Well-Being resource list was developed and compiled collaboratively with the professionals of Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team and Haliburton County Public Library.

Please note these resources do not replace the beneficial support and intervention which is available by engaging with a medical professional, social worker, counsellor, crisis worker, or other competent mental health practitioner. Additionally, it is not an exhaustive list of the library collection or other resources, but rather a helpful starting point.

If you are in crisis and need help right away, please visit the nearest Emergency Department or call/text the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 9-8-8.

Anxiety & Depression

Mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common types of mental disorders in Canada and have been shown to have a major impact on the daily lives of those affected. In 2013, an estimated three million Canadians (11.6%) aged 18 years or older reported that they had a mood and/or anxiety disorder. Mood disorders are characterized by the lowering or elevation of a person's mood, while anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of nervousness, anxiety, and fear.

The books and resources listed in this collection can be a first step to understanding anxiety and depression as well as providing some support to self-management as a complement to professional care.

Grief

One hundred percent of the population will face grief and bereavement because loss is inevitable across the lifespan. It takes time to move with the feelings that arise when one is grieving. People who are grieving need understanding, support and patience for it is a unique journey for all.

The books and resources listed in this collection provide various perspectives on grief and bereavement from which people may find comfort and care as they move with and adapt to the death of a loved one.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Mindfulness has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the last several years. It has moved from an Eastern religious or spiritual practice to a mainstream secular intervention available and helpful to many. Mindfulness and meditation has been shown to be an effective practice to manage a range of health conditions.

The books and resources listed in this collection provide an introduction to the attitudes of mindfulness and the practice of meditation.

Relationships

Sometimes relationships are fulfilling, loving and supportive and other times they head in a direction we never anticipated. In 2017, an estimated 9% of Canadians were divorced or separated. Approximately 38% of all marriages end in divorce. Whether it's separation and divorce following a marriage, or the uncoupling of a common-law union, this change can be emotionally, socially, legally and financially challenging for family members.

The books and resources listed in this collection provide some information and helpful interventions to address issues that come up as one considers how to improve and consider care of self within difficult relationships.

Sleep

It is not uncommon to experience sleep difficulties from time to time. It is estimated that about 25% of adults are dissatisfied with their sleep, 10% to 15% report symptoms of insomnia associated with daytime consequences, and 6% to 10% meet criteria for an insomnia disorder.

The books and resources listed in this collection provide a description of sleep problems and strategies for intervention.

Stress & Relaxation

Stress is a fact of life. We all talk about stress, but we are not always clear about what it is. This is because stress comes from both the good and the bad things that happen to us. Some stress can be a good thing. When stress is unhelpful, people may feel overwhelmed or fell like they can't possibly fix the problem. Many people experience physical sensations like sweating, a racing heart, or tense muscles. Over time, stress can also have a big impact on physical health.

The books and resources listed in this collection provide a range of materials to help understand stress and strategies to better manage stressors in life.

Digital Library

There are a variety of apps and websites that can help you in your journey to better mental health and well-being. This resource list provides some reliable websites and apps that you may find useful.

Digital Library: Mental Health + Wellbeing resources