As Mental Health Week continues, local health experts say one of the biggest challenges facing people in crisis is not just finding help, but knowing where to start.
The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, known as CMHA HKPR, is one of the region’s leading providers of community mental health services, supporting individuals and families across Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. The organization offers a range of free and accessible programs including crisis support, counselling, housing assistance and system navigation, all aimed at helping people manage mental health challenges and connect with the care they need closer to home.
Jack Veitch with CMHA HKPR says the mental health system offers a range of entry points, but that variety can also create confusion.
He says services are available through crisis lines, hospitals, family doctors and community agencies, many of which can be accessed without a referral and at no cost.
Despite those options, Veitch says system navigation remains one of the biggest barriers.
He says one way to reduce that pressure is to learn about available services before they are urgently needed, so individuals and families are not forced to navigate unfamiliar systems during a crisis.
At the same time, Veitch says the most important step remains the simplest one – reaching out.
He says that first conversation could be with a trusted friend, a family doctor, a crisis line or a local support organization but starting the dialogue is what opens the door to care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through family doctors, walk-in clinics and community services, with cmhahkpr.ca offering a wide range of local mental health resources all in one place.
The Ontario Health Team of Northumberland’s is also hosting a Come Together event on Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cobourg Community Centre which will bring together 35 organizations, including CMHA HKPR, to connect residents with help in person.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
