If Retirement has affected your Mental Health, you’re not
alone. Transitioning into retirement can bring about significant changes in
Lifestyle, identity, and social connections, which can impact mental health.
However, by engaging in activities that bring joy and purpose, staying
connected with others, and setting achievable goals, you can improve your
emotional well-being and navigate retirement more smoothly.

Fortunately, there are many resources and programs available
to support seniors’ mental health, both in Canada and the U.S.

Wellness Together Canada. This national mental health
and wellness portal offers free, confidential mental health and substance use
support, including self-guided resources, counseling, and peer support. Seniors
can access online resources or be connected to a counselor or social worker for
one-on-one support. For more information search Wellness Together Canada

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) –
Senior-Specific Services. The CMHA offers mental health services,
Education, and advocacy. In many regions, it provides senior-specific programs
such as peer support groups, wellness programs, and mental health awareness
workshops tailored for older adults. For more information go to CMHA

Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH). CCSMH
provides a wide range of resources and tools aimed at promoting the mental
health of seniors, including guidelines for the prevention, assessment, and
treatment of mental health issues like Depression, Anxiety, and substance use
in older adults. Go to CCSMH for
more information:

Mindfulness Programs for Seniors. Many community
centers and senior associations in Canada offer mindfulness, Meditation, and
Yoga programs designed to help manage Stress and improve mental well-being in
retirement. Look into local community centers or senior associations in your
area for accessible programs. Check with organizations like the Seniors’ Centre
Without Walls for remote options.

Community Support and Peer Groups. Many provinces
offer Seniors Community Programs that connect older adults with social
and support groups, which can help reduce isolation and improve mental health.
Check your provincial government’s health or seniors’ ministry for specific
programs, like Ontario’s Senior Active Living Centres or Alberta
Seniors’ Services. In my province of British Columbia, the Community Living
BC Network put together a web page with links to support for those who want
help with mental health. Go to https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/resources/information-about-the-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/mental-health-resources-during-covid-19/
for the links.

Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/

Royce Shook Blogger

I served as a teacher, a teacher on Call, a Department Head, a District Curriculum, Specialist, a Program Coordinator, and a Provincial Curriculum Coordinator over a forty year career. In addition, I was the Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a professor both online and in person at the University of Phoenix (Canada) from 2000-2010.

I also worked with Special Needs students. I gave workshops on curriculum development and staff training before I fully retired