Mental Health in the face of COVID

How can I tell whether I should seek professional help for COVID-19-related stress or anxiety?

Look for warning signs such as the following:

  • Persistent anxiety, worry, insomnia, or irritability.
  • Needlessly avoiding social contacts to the point that you become unnecessarily isolated.
  • Persistently checking your body (e.g., taking your temperature many times each day) or persistently seeking reassurance about your health from doctors, friends, family, or the Internet.
  • Performing excessive or unnecessary hygiene precautions, such as wearing a facemask at home or repeatedly washing your hands when there is no need to do so.
  • Abusing alcohol or drugs, or overeating, as a way of coping with stress.
  • Feedback from friends or family that you seem unusually worried or stressed out.

How can I get help with stress or anxiety?  Psychological treatments can be very effective, sometimes more effective than medication, in helping people recover from anxiety.  To find a psychologist, you can consult the psychological association in your province or city.  Your local hospital, community health clinic, local public health department, or primary care provider (e.g., family doctor or nurse practitioner) may also be of assistance.  

How Do I Cope?

Most of the mental health resources available agree on the following six points:

1. Read up but switch topics to prevent getting overwhelmed

2. Take Care of Yourself (nutrition, exercise, routine, and rest all remain important)

3. Stay Connected  to those you care about

4. Help Others If You Can - one person at a time, we can make a difference

5. Explore Coping Strategies - ask each other about symptoms and travel, use anxiety management skills

6.  Plan your life -  Make practical changes, gather things you need, make an emergency kit, Do what you CAN do!

For more details, check out these links:

Here to Help BC

Science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus

American Psychological Association suggests

Talking with Children

Story of the Oyster and the Butterfly: COVID Virus and Me

Viruses Don't Discriminate


Dawson Psychological Services

Dr. K.A. Dawson, Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1566)

Kim Dawson

1790 Barrie Road

Victoria, BC V8N2W7 Canada

(250)-899-1794

Wondering whether you can afford to pay?

Do You Have Extended Health Benefits?

Most working folks have extended health benefits through their company. Contact your employer or your human resources department to find out what your benefit package will cover.

Have you been in a car accident?

Dr. Dawson is registered as a provider of mental health services through ICBC to provide counselling to those who are experiencing emotional trauma or losses associated with a motor vehicle accident. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, ask your physician to refer you to see Dr. Dawson. Make sure you have an ICBC claim number when you call for an appointment.

Have you been a victim of a crime?

Dr. Dawson is registered through the Provincial Crime Victim's Assistance Program to provide counselling for those who are experiencing losses or ongoing emotional trauma associated with a crime. If you have been a victim of a crime, contact your local RCMP Victim's Assistance program to get a claim number. Then make an appointment to see Dr. Dawson.