It’s important to recognize when and what kind of support you need. For example, engaging in self-care and social support is important but sometimes it may not be enough to address difficult emotions or situations within your caregiving role. There may be times when you need to seek professional care and support.

Self-care is anything that brings you a sense of peace, comfort, connection, motivation and/or fulfillment. Even if it’s just for a few moments. It can be things you do by yourself or with others which provides social support. Social support may also include things like getting peer support from other caregivers through support groups or more informally.

Self-care can be a challenging concept for caregivers, as you may think it takes time away from your care recipient or other things you need to get done. By engaging in self-care, you can strengthen the support you provide to your care recipient.

Take some time to reflect if you are experiencing any of these warning signs, as it may be time to start engaging in self-care:

What if self-care or social support is not enough? What if things that once brought you joy, no longer do? There are several signs to watch for when you are struggling or in a crisis and need to seek out professional help. Professional support may include talking to your family doctor or nurse practitioner, a mental health therapist, enrolling in a psychoeducational program, or contacting a crisis line.

Take some time to reflect if you have experienced any of these warning signs, as it may be time to engage with professional supports or emergency services:

If you or someone you know is dealing with something life threatening, call 911 immediately.

Caregivers play an invaluable role in the healthcare system and within the community, but sometimes caregivers don’t take time to focus on their own needs. Select the resources below to find a program or service that may help meet your mental health and well-being needs.

Psychoeducation, Group, and Individual Counselling
Join weekly psychoeducational webinars (divided into two 4-week sessions) focused on various topics such as stress, anxiety, mindfulness etc., strategies and tools to better cope with difficult caregiving emotions and free group and/or individual counselling with mental health professionals. Counselling spaces are limited and based on a first come first serve basis.

Peer Support
Join an online support group led by a trained peer facilitator to connect with other caregivers. Support groups are offered several times a week including a group for young caregivers and a group offered in French. Option to join online or by phone.

You can also connect with trained peer mentors for 1:1 phone or virtual support. Caregivers with lived experience and knowledge to share are trained to become peer mentors to provide support to another caregiver seeking support with the challenges they are facing.

eLearning & Educational Resources
Access various e-learning modules created in collaboration with caregivers and health care providers to better support your mental health and well-being. Create a free account through the OCO Learning Library and work through the modules at your own pace.

Access recorded webinars for caregivers on a variety of topics related to mental health and well-being.

If you need more personalized support, give our 24/7 Helpline a call and we can try to help you find specific services!

• BounceBack Ontario- Canadian Mental Health Association – A free skill- building program to residents of Ontario to help manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry.
• Build Your Own Support Network
• Caregiver Resilience Check-In
• Distress and Crisis Ontario – Find a centre near you offering instant support and a listening ear for anyone who is feeling lonely, depressed, is struggling with suicidal ideation, or who is otherwise in need of support.
• Financial Support
• Living Life to the Full for Caregivers 55+ – Canadian Mental Health Association: Caregivers at least 55 years old in the Toronto area can access free eight-week course designed to provide skills and knowledge to cope with life’s challenges.
• Welcome to Holland (managing caregiving expectations)