COVID-19 Q&A:
"I am crying often. Should I ask my doctor to increase my meds or wait until this is over? I live alone."
Answer:
Nursing Professional Practice, The Royal
We can appreciate this is a stressful time for everyone right now. It is very important to reach out to any support network you have to discuss how you are feeling – family, friends, colleagues – via phone, email, Facetime, Zoom, or text. More importantly, reach out to your physician to make an appointment, especially if you are feeling worse. Many physicians are providing virtual appointments, so this may be an option for you.
You may also want to ask your family doctor/nurse practitioner about a referral to The Royal’s PROMPT clinic. It’s staffed by a team of mental health nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who can provide the following services: urgent assessments, medication support, short-term psychotherapy (maximum four sessions per client), and help with accessing other services. Read more about it right here.
If things worsen or if you feel unable to keep yourself safe, please go to your local emergency department or call 911.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful as well:
Resources:
- Crisis Line/Distress Line https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/24-7-crisis-line/
- CMHA https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/are-you-in-crisis/
- Big White Wall https://www.bigwhitewall.com/?lang=en-ca
- Bounce Back https://bouncebackbc.ca/
- Mental Health Commission of Canada https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/covid19
- Ottawa Coalition to End Violence against Women https://www.octevaw-cocvff.ca/get-help
