October 10th is World Mental Health Day – a powerful reminder that taking care of your mental health has never been more important. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or just not feeling like yourself, this day is about more than awareness – it’s about breaking stigmas, sharing support, and reminding each other that no one has to struggle alone. If you’re new to this journey, it can feel overwhelming when you’re figuring out where to start. To help you or someone you care about, we sat down with Andrea, a psychologist and clinical and equity consultant for the OSP program at CarePoint Health , to understand ‘ Where do I begin ?’ when reaching out for help. Common signs Mental health symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone. There are common signs, such as persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability, that can impact your daily life. Other signs, such as changes in sleep, unhealthy coping strategies such as substance abuse or even overworking, isolating, or self-harming, can also occur. Where can I begin? We recommend speaking to your family doctor first, so that they can understand your experience and connect you with options in your community. If you don’t have a family doctor or want to start this journey on your own, you can reach out to us for support. We have trained and understanding coaches and therapists who can help you virtually, over the phone, or in person. They can even work around busy schedules through online support, check-in calls, and video conferencing. It’s important that you feel supported, no matter where you are. Benefits of our mental health program Support for sadness, anxiety, and fears Open to all adults 18+ in Ontario Free of charge No referral or health card required Learn real strategies at your pace Different needs, different speeds Everyone has different needs and requires different levels of support. Our assessment clinicians can help explain the different services we offer and match you to the support that best fits your needs. Our intake process is key because it helps us learn more about you, your goals, and which service will best fit your lifestyle (e.g., student vs. working parent). Our goal is to help you feel supported and gain lifelong skills. Your progress is important, which is why we do check-ins and closely monitor how you feel. Based on your needs, if you require more or less support, you can move between different services within the program – this includes both individual and group therapy. What to expect It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first session which is typically an intake session — the unknown can be intimidating. There is a basic and standard routine at the start, and can include the following: Your intake clinician will explain their background, approach, and confidentiality policy. Expect lots of questions about your history, current concerns, and goals. You’ll collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan. You might get tasks to do outside of session — like reflecting on goals, tracking symptoms, or completing worksheets. Remember, the first session is just the beginning. It’s okay to take your time to open up and build trust. It’s okay to ask for help There is still a lot of stigma around mental health, and people might feel embarrassed or brush off their problems, “as no big deal.” Everyone has their own lived experience in life, and if your mental health is impacting your day-to-day life, it’s important to seek help. Keep in mind that seeking support is a personal choice. If someone you care about could benefit from support, help share education on the available resources. Caring for yourself isn’t about doing everything. It can be as simple as asking for help. Additional Resources: Free mental health program (Brampton, Halton, Mississauga) 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline Punjabi Community Health Services (Sahara Mental Health Program) The Indigenous Network Black Health & Social Services Hub Peel
On Thursday, September 3, 2025, Minister Natalia Kusendova and MPP Sheref Sabawy announced $5.1 million in new provincial funding to expand access to family doctors and primary care teams across our community. This funding will help connect up to 12,800 more Mississauga residents to the care they need. It brings the Province one step closer to ensuring that all Ontarians have access to a primary care provider by 2029. In collaboration with our incredible partners – Mississauga Health, Credit Valley Family Health Team, Summerville Family Health Team, and LAMP Community Health Centre – we are better supporting the health and wellness of our community. This is being achieved through the expansion of team-based primary care across Mississauga, working with Community Ambassadors to engage underserved and diverse communities, and using CarePoint Connects to match patients with available providers. This a meaningful step toward ensuring everyone in Mississauga has access to timely, comprehensive primary care. Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. We're grateful to our partners and the Province for their support in making this possible. We look forward to creating a well-connected and healthier future for all.
Where in Mississauga can I go if I don’t have air conditioning? “There are different ways people can access a cool space for free in the community. There are several public libraries in the city where people can go and also enjoy an activity like reading, using a computer, and participating in programs” says Tianlan (Tara) Xu, a social worker at CarePoint Health. “ Public pools and splash pads are also a great way to have fun in the summer and keep cool,” she says. If being outdoors isn’t your thing, there are also other indoor spaces like malls that offer shade and AC. Is there financial assistance to help with energy costs? “Some individuals may be eligible for the Ontario Electricity Support Program ,” says Tara. People can go online to learn more about this program. Can the extreme heat be impacting my emotions? “Your environment can play a big role in how you feel day to day. If you are already experiencing symptoms such as irritability – things like extreme heat can make these feelings worse,” says Tara. “Working with a social worker can help people build coping skills to reduce stress and gain knowledge on how to manage heightened emotions during difficult times,” she adds. “Self-care is an important practice to keep in mind. Everybody has their way of caring for themselves. Sometimes it can be difficult to make self-care a priority. I recommend setting a small goal to do one to two things a day that make you feel good, it’s a great first step.” Bottom Line: Listen to Your Body Extreme temperatures can impact us in different ways. It’s important to recognize if you may be experiencing health issues related to heat seek additional support. Connecting with your family doctor or healthcare provider can help you learn how to prevent or manage health concerns before they become worse. Everybody has different needs – make sure to listen to your body and seek support when you need. If you don’t have a family doctor and you’re unsure where to turn, reach out to our team for support . --- CarePoint Health is an interprofessional care team of primary care physicians and allied health professionals working together to improve the health and wellness of the Mississauga community.
