As this crisis unfolds, we are committed to providing Canadians with reliable, up-to-date information that can help them protect the health and safety of themselves, their families, and their neighbours.
If you are in an emergency, in crisis or need someone to talk to, there is help.
View Crisis ResourcesCOVID-19 FAQ and Additional Resources
Expert answers to your questions about COVID-19, plus a list of credible sources for further reading.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infection caused by a coronavirus related to the common cold virus. Those affected by COVID-19 can exhibit symptoms ranging from mild to severe, similar to the cold and flu, such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing. They can also experience nausea and diarrhea. In some cases, those who have COVID-19 may show no symptoms. For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Government of Canada’s coronavirus information page.
Where can I get reliable and accurate information on COVID-19?
How do I talk to my children about COVID-19 and its impact?
This time may be very challenging for children and adolescents, some of whom might not understand the reasons for school closures and the cancellation of extracurricular activities. In addition, they are likely to be bombarded with information through social media and from their friends that can cause anxiety and alarm.
Young people may also sense the anxiety of their parents, and worry about their own health and that of other family members. For example, young children may not understand why they can no longer hug a grandparent.
Children need to be reassured in a way that is age appropriate. Click here for some tips on how to talk to your children and family.
How can I support a loved one who is very anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic?
Everyone responds differently to the effects of a pandemic. If you have a family member or friend who is worried or scared, try to listen to and empathize with them. Some people may want to vent their fears or anger at the situation, while others may want to problem solve.
With the person’s permission, share the facts in a simple and straightforward way and ask how you can help. Stick to the facts and offer them resources if they are open to it (see “Coping with stress and anxiety”). Check in with the person from time to time to make sure their stress levels and mental state are not getting worse. Always keep the lines of communication open.
At the same time, ensure you take care of yourself, and limit the amount of time you devote to supporting others. It is okay to say that you also need a break from fear and anxiety. Sometimes the support may be mutual, in which case it is important to respect each other’s ability to help.
How do I manage my stress and anxiety while I await my test results?
If you have been tested due to contact with someone or because of your symptoms, waiting for the results can be very anxiety provoking. This may be especially true if you are in self-isolation or quarantine. The amount of time it takes to receive your results can vary depending on your area. Ask the provider who took the swabs when you should expect the results.
While waiting for the results, focus on what you can do to manage and monitor your symptoms. Most people with COVID-19 have only mild symptoms. In this case, you may be asked to self-isolate for a specific amount of time. Follow the advice of your health care provider on how to monitor and manage symptoms. Most importantly, follow their instructions on when to go (and when not to go) to the hospital.
For more support in coping with stress and anxiety, check out our coping guide here.
I have a friend who can't stop talking about COVID-19 and wants to process worst case scenarios. How do I deal with this?
Sometimes sharing stresses with colleagues, friends or family members can be helpful. However, be mindful that others may be feeling very stressed or anxious themselves, and may not be coping well. Hearing about your anxieties may make them more anxious.
When others share information with you, their facts may not always be accurate — keep this in mind when you hear something about the virus that is not endorsed by Health Canada or the World Health Organization. You may want, as much as possible, to limit contact with people who seem to have difficulty talking about anything but COVID-19 and worst-case scenarios.
Alcohol and COVID-19
There are many reasons why we may drink more alcohol during a crisis, mostly centred on stress. This information sheet explores these reasons, discusses signs that your drinking may be a problem, and provides tips to help you moderate your drinking along with links to further resources.
Download PDFMore resources
While it is natural to seek out news about the ongoing pandemic, it is important to choose your sources carefully and prevent the spread of misinformation. If you’re looking for more information about COVID-19 and its impact on our mental health, these links provide credible information for further reading.
For the general public
Challenging worries and anxious thoughts
From: CAMH
Summary
High levels of anxiety and stress are usually fuelled by the way we think. This information sheet offers a series of steps to identify and challenge these thought patterns, remind ourselves that not everything we think or believe is a fact, and come up with more balanced ways of thinking about the pandemic.
Dealing with problems in a structured way
From: CAMH
Summary
We may feel overwhelmed by all the issues we need to address during the pandemic. This information sheet reminds us to identify which things actually are problems that need to be addressed, and provides a series of steps we can take to resolve them.
Talking to children about COVID-19 and its impact
From: CAMH
Summary
The pandemic may be very challenging for children and adolescents. This information sheet suggests age-appropriate ways to reassure children and youth, and to explain issues relating to COVID-19.
Protect your safety when experiencing violence
From: CAMH
Summary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of partner, family and gender-based violence have increased. This information sheet provides strategies for people experiencing violence in the home during COVID-19, and for those supporting someone at risk. It also includes an FAQ that defines these types of violence and examines their higher prevalence during the pandemic and their impact on mental health.
5 ways to refresh your wellness strategies
From: CAMH
Summary
Many of us were anxious at the beginning of the pandemic but were able to get through it with some strategies and support. But with COVID-19 numbers increasingly, we are back to feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. Now is the time to refresh our wellness strategies. This information sheet provides five ways to help us cope right now.
Digital COVID-19 and Mental Health Resource List
From: CAMH
Summary
COVID-19 pandemic-related resources (websites and mobile apps) have been gathered by a CAMH research team from a range of sources. Some of the resources were gathered from consultations with people with lived experience, digital and mental health experts, and health care providers.
For youth
Coping during COVID-19: Virtual resources for youth
From: CAMH
Summary
This info sheet provides tips to help youth find mental health services, along with a list of resources they can use to support themselves.
Back to school during COVID-19: Helping with children’s anxiety
From: CAMH
Summary
Because of COVID-19, many children are experiencing higher levels of worry and distress about going back to school. This information sheet presents some strategies to help you identify your child’s level of anxiety, and support their mental health as they prepare to return to school in person.
Back to school during COVID-19: Tips for parents’ well-being
From: CAMH
Summary
With most children returning to the classroom in September for at least part of the week, there will be changes to daily routines that may present challenges for children, parents and the family as a whole. This information sheet includes tips to help make the transition smoother, and strategies to support you as you prepare for your child to return to school in person.
Coping during COVID-19: A resource for youth
From: CAMH
Summary
The information sheet offers ways for young people to take care of themselves and focus on their mental health, from stress-beating strategies to staying connected and informed.
ABCoping with COVID-19: A resource for youth
From: CAMH
Summary
This info sheet provides an A-to-Z list of ideas to help youth keep occupied during lockdown and beyond.
Coping with COVID-19: A resource for trans and non-binary youth
From: CAMH
Summary
This info sheet, by and for trans and non-binary youth, offers tips, validation and resources to help with coping during the pandemic.
Cup of Gratitude
From: CAMH
Summary
This worksheet offers a reflection exercise to support mental health for youth during COVID-19.
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO)
From: YWHO
Summary
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) are fully integrated “one-stop-shops” for youth aged 12-25, to address their needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education/employment/training, housing and other community and social services. These hubs also include peer services, outreach, and system navigation services. Services emphasize quality and will be timely, integrated and co-located.There are currently 10 hubs across the province.
For people with developmental disabilities and their families
Mental health and COVID-19: Help when you’re feeling worried
From: CAMH
Summary
This easy-read information sheet offers tips for people with developmental disabilities (and their families) on how to manage worry, take care of themselves, and help others who are feeling scared about the pandemic.
Mental health and COVID-19: Talking to a loved one
From: CAMH
Summary
People with developmental disabilities may find this time particularly difficult. This information sheet for family members suggests ways to talk to and reassure people with developmental disabilities about COVID-19, in a way that matches their developmental level.
Mental health and COVID-19: When you have to stay home
From: CAMH
Summary
This easy-read information sheet offers tips for people with developmental disabilities (and their families) on how to cope with quarantine and isolation.
COVID-19 self-help booklet series
From: CAMH
Summary
The self-help booklet series is for people with intellectual disabilities and can be used with the support of family members, friends, staff, and health care professionals . The booklets are intended to give people with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to talk through their feelings and make plans for staying well at this difficult time.
For people who use alcohol, cannabis and other substances
COVID-19, alcohol and cannabis use
From: Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Summary
This infographic outlines potential risks from alcohol and cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how alcohol and cannabis use can affect the immune system and how measures such as physical distancing can increase alcohol and cannabis use.
Alcohol and COVID-19
From: CAMH
Summary
There are many reasons why we may drink more alcohol during a crisis, mostly centred on stress. This information sheet explores these reasons, discusses signs that your drinking may be a problem, and provides tips to help you moderate your drinking along with links to further resources.
Tobacco use and COVID-19: Information for people who smoke
From: CAMH
Summary
This information sheet describes the effect smoking has on the risk of getting COVID-19, and how it may affect the symptoms if you are infected. It also includes tips and resources for quitting or reducing smoking during the pandemic.
Vaping and COVID-19: Information for people who use e-cigarettes
From: CAMH
Summary
This information sheet describes how vaping may affect the risk of getting COVID-19, and how it can affect the symptoms if you are infected. It also includes tips and resources for quitting or managing vaping during the pandemic.
COVID-19: Harm reduction and overdose response
From: BC Centre for Disease Control
Summary
This infosheet offers harm reduction tips for people who use substances in the context of COVID-19. It includes information on overdose risk, safer drug use, accessing testing, and responding to an overdose in the community.
Safer drug use during the COVID-19 outbreak
From: Harm Reduction Coalition
Summary
This infosheet offers information about COVID-19 symptoms and prevention, as well as harm reduction tips for people who use substances.
Guidance on COVID-19 for people who use substances
From: Yale Program in Addiction Medicine
Summary
This webpage offers detailed COVID-19 information about and harm reduction advice to people who use drugs.
For people who are marginally housed or homeless
Mental health and COVID-19: Information for people who are marginally housed or homeless
From: CAMH
Summary
COVID-19 creates special challenges for people who don’t have stable housing. This information sheet provides tips for staying physically and mentally well, and links to information on housing rights during the public health emergency.
Mental health and COVID-19: FAQs for people supporting individuals who are marginally housed or homeless
From: CAMH
Summary
This information sheet provides pandemic-related tips and resources for individuals and organizations that support people who lack stable housing.
For employees and employers
FAQs: Coping with job loss from COVID-19
From: CAMH
Summary
This information sheet provides tips on coping and moving forward for people who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
Return to work during COVID-19: Strategies to maintain your mental wellness
From: CAMH
Summary
This information sheet presents some strategies to support your mental health during the stressful transition as you return to work.
Coping with grief and loss when returning to work
From: CAMH
Summary
COVID-19 has led to grief for many people. As you return to a potentially changed workplace, you may be faced with additional grief over the loss of how things used to be. This information sheet aims to help you cope with grief and loss when returning to work.
Navigating the New Normal: A COVID-19 Supplement to CAMH’s Mental Health Playbook for Business Leaders
From: CAMH
Summary
Tips and strategies for workplace mental health during and after COVID-19.
Mental health support during COVID-19 for frontline essential retail staff
From: CAMH
Summary
As an individual working at a grocery retailer or pharmacy, you are performing an essential service by keeping our country fed and with the medications we need. It is normal to be anxious and worried during these stressful times; we’re here to help. This information sheet offers strategies and tips to help you cope with the unique challenges you may be facing during this time.
For educators
Mental health support during COVID-19 for educators
From: CAMH
Summary
The effort to address COVID-19 poses a range of challenges to educators as they work to adapt to ensure learning can continue during these uncertain times. This information sheet offers strategies, tips and resources to support educators in helping themselves, students and students’ families to cope with the pandemic.
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