If there’s a crisis:
- Go to your nearest emergency room.
- Call 9-1-1.
- Call your family physician.
- Call your local 24hr crisis center.
- Call the Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, Text: 686868.
- If you have participated as an athlete in the Athlete Assistance Program, National Team Program, Pan American Games or Olympic/Paralympics, or have been an Olympic/Paralympic coach, call the 24hr Morneau Shephell hotline: 1-844-240-2990.
If it’s a non-urgent need:
- Call your family physician.
- Check to see what mental health services are available via your employment benefits or through your parents’ health plan, if applicable.
- If you have participated as an athlete in the Athlete Assistance Program, National Team Program, Pan American Games or Olympic/Paralympics, or have been an Olympic/Paralympic coach:
- Call the 24hr Morneau Shephell hotline: 1-844-240-2990. If you are outside of North America, click here to find the applicable international dialing number (let them know that you are part of Game Plan).
- Call your Game Plan advisor.
- Contact the Canadian Centre for Mental Health via the online form, by email at info@ccmhs-ccsms.ca or by phone at 613 454-1409 ext. 2090.
Additional resources:
- Learn about tips, coping strategies and resources to manage your mental health during the pandemic from the Centre for Addiction and Metal Health.
- View the Mental Health Commission of Canada resource hub for mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Read about sport psychology and mental training techniques from the FEI Athlete Toolkit.
Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health and getting the support you need is no different than seeing your doctor for a physical ailment.
We are all in this together. If we all watch out for one another, the Canadian equestrian community will emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and more prepared than ever before to tackle whatever comes our way next.