Getting through this together Hope House is proud to partner with Five Star Relationships

It's ok to feel emotions other than happiness.

During these uncertain times, it is normal to feel increased levels of stress and anxiety. It is normal to feel emotions beyond happiness. As we all have had to adapt to a new way of living, many of us have had our share of struggles – however, it is important to know that you are not alone.

Since the onset of the pandemic, over 74% of Ontarians have experienced an increase in mental health and addiction challenges.

According to a study done by the Canadian Mental Health Association, more than half of Ontarians are experiencing more loneliness than they were at the start of this pandemic. Almost half wish they had someone to talk to, and more than a third say they are often, very often or almost always lonely.
With a stay-at-home order in effect, relieving some of these worries is difficult – and some may find it discouraging to access services.

What resources are available to help?

At Hope House, we want you to know that first, you are not alone.
While we cannot be physically together, we are still here to support you.
Secondly, we have partnered with 5-Star Relationship counselling to help provide access to that need for someone to talk to.

We have taken mental health seriously, and through this partnership we hope to ensure that everyone has access to counselling virtually, over the phone and in person throughout this pandemic.
Clients, we have spoken to who have participated in this program have seen positive changes in their lives including improved relationships, increase of helpful coping strategies, improved mood and increased emotional safety and security knowing they have someone to connect with to help walk with them through their journey of healing and growth.

About Five Star Relationships

People seek help from a trusted counsellor for different reasons and at different times in their lives. This is normal and healthy. Instead of spending years trapped in negative patterns or unhealthy relationships, an investment in professional counselling provides a confidential connection with a trusted professional that helps people discover the path to their best self.

Dealing with anxiety or depression is a common reason people seek help, but Five Star Relationships counsellors are skilled in many issues ranging from marital stress and parenting to sexuality, addictions, loss or grief. No issue is too small or big!

All counselling is committed to the ethical guidelines of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Social Workers.

How has this current pandemic affected mental health?

As mentioned, in a recent study completed by the Canadian Mental Health Association shows alarming trends that indicate the severity of the impact on the mental health of Ontarians.
The initial study completed was alarming, however this recent study shows how the impact on coping during this pandemic and overall need for support.

Mental Health Declining
Ontarians’ perceptions of their mental health have worsened dramatically since the previous polls.
- 36 per cent of Ontarians say they’re experiencing very high or high stress (up from 30 per cent in the summer)
- 35 per cent are feeling very high or high anxiety (up from 30 per cent in the summer)
- 17 per cent say they’re always or very often depressed (up from 13 per cent in May)
- More than one quarter of Ontarians (27 per cent) are using more substances to cope (up from 21 per cent in the summer)
- Nearly eight in 10 Ontarians (79 per cent) can see how COVID-19 is negatively impacting the mental health of others
- In spite of the negative statistics, more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of Ontarians feel they’re handling public health restrictions well
Effects on Relationships
The pandemic has both positively and negatively impacted relationships.
- 25 per cent say their relationship with partners is better now than before the pandemic, while 29 per cent say their relationship with children is better
- However, 36 per cent say friendships are worse and 27 per cent say relationships with parents are worse
- Among the most difficult aspects of the pandemic have been not seeing extended family (74 per cent) and friends (78 per cent)
Access to Services
More Ontarians are confident in their ability to find mental health and addictions supports now (52 per cent) than in the first round of polling (44 per cent), but:
- More people who are trying to access supports now are finding it difficult (35 per cent) as compared to the summer (27 per cent)
- Of those who’ve received supports, 70 per cent found them helpful
- Nearly nine in 10 (88 per cent) now believe the mental health impact will worsen the longer the pandemic continues (up from 83 per cent in the summer)
- More than half the province (52 per cent) says the pandemic has widened the gap between different levels of health care available in Ontario
Concerns about the Pandemic itself
A year into the pandemic, and despite vaccines coming, Ontarians generally are still concerned about the virus itself.
- 84 per cent are concerned about new strains
- Eight in 10 are concerned about people not physically distancing (81 per cent) or not taking proper precautions (77 per cent)
- People remain concerned about someone they know catching the virus (78 per cent)

How can I get assistance?

If you are in need of someone to talk to, we are here for you.

To book an appointment, please click the button below to be taken to the intake form, or call 519-265-4299.

Counselling Services Intake form

Statistics taken from https://ontario.cmha.ca/news/third-poll-in-cmha-ontario-series-indicates-mental-health-impact-of-covid-19-at-all-time-high/