Stress

Stress is the response of your body and mind to demands placed on you. When you feel threatened, your brain releases hormones that prepare your body to take action—you sweat, your breathing quickens, your heart rate goes up, and your muscles tense. This stress response is what allowed our human ancestors to either run or fight when face-to-face with a threat. Of course, these days most of the threats we face aren’t ones we can deal with in this way.

Most people can minimize the effects of stress with self-care techniques like exercise, meditation, getting a good night’s sleep, and eating well.

What is normal?

Stress itself is not a mental illness. Stress is a normal reaction to the demands of life. A small amount of stress can be good, since it motivates you to perform well. But multiple stressful challenges every day can make it tough to cope. If stress keeps piling up, and starts to make you feel worse instead of motivating you, it can harm your mental and physical health.

What are common signs and symptoms?

Learning to identify the following signs may help you better manage your stress.

Changes in your body:

Muscles feel tense
Breathing and heart rate feel quicker
Headaches or stomach aches
Changes in my sleep or appetite
Diarrhea
Feeling tired

Changes in your actions:

Using alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs to help cope
Withdrawing from others
Drinking more coffee
Losing patience with people
Avoiding situations that are stressful
Fidgeting

Changes in your emotions:

Feeling worried and confused
Feeling angry and irritable
Feeling like you can’t cope

Changes in your thinking:

Having trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
Thoughts race
Losing self-confidence
Negative attitude toward yourself and your life

Should I seek help?

Because the causes and effects of stress are different for everyone, we all need to find our own way to cope. Many people can minimize the effect of stress in their life with self-care techniques. Talk about your stress with friends or family; share your workload if you can; don’t procrastinate; get more exercise; try meditation; make sure you get a good night’s sleep; and be sure to eat well.

If you still find you struggle to deal with stress, talk to your doctor about other strategies to manage it.

Tools

Kids Help Phone

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French. Services include mental health tips and info, crisis support, professional counselling, quizzes, games and...

Visit Kids Help Phone

More Information:

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Black, African Nova Scotian / Caregiver, Family / First Nations, Indigenous / 2SLGBTQIA+ / Anxiety / Depression / Eating Disorders / Grief / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Age Groups: Adults / Children / Youth

Tranquility

Green Shield Canada

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Tranquility is an internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) program that has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes and reducing symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Users of the program will have 24/7 access to...

Visit Tranquility

More Information:

Subjects: Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Anxiety / Depression / Stress

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

BounceBack

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

BounceBack is a free program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) desgined to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.

Working with workbooks and a trained coach to guide you...

Visit BounceBack

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Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

PSPNET

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

As part of the Government of Canada’s National Action Plan on Posttraumatic Stress Injuries, PSPNET is offering and evaluating Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy, also known as ICBT, specifically tailored for current and former Public...

Visit PSPNET

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Subjects: Anxiety / Depression / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Stress / First Responders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Togetherall

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Togetherall is a clinically moderated, online peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers individuals to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7.

Togetherall provides millions of people access to a safe and supportive online community...

Visit Togetherall

More Information:

Subjects: Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Depression / Stress

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Wellness Together Canada

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Wellness Together Canada is a mental health and substance use website to support people across Canada and Canadians living abroad in both official languages. They provide the following resources for you at no cost:

Immediate text support
Informa...

Visit Wellness Together Canada

More Information:

Subjects: Anxiety / Depression / Grief / Self-Injury / Stress / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Alcohol / Opioids / Cannabis / Nicotine & Tobacco / Gambling

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Well Central & Well-being Course

Canadian Mental Health Association

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Well Central is an accessible and completely free virtual Recovery College offering interactive courses that empower individuals to take control of their mental health and well-being. The Well-being Course, the first course to be offered on the Well...

Visit Well Central & Well-being Course

More Information:

Subjects: Anxiety / Depression / Stress / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried

Age Groups: Adults / Youth

HealthyMinds@Work

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Discover tools to help support your mental health efforts in creating a space where workers feel safe, respected, and valued.

Visit HealthyMinds@Work

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Age Groups: Adults

Mental Health 101

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Knowledge is power. This series of free online tutorials is a starting point for learning about mental health. You can come away with a greater understanding of the mental health concern you are interested in knowing more about. The tutorials can...

Visit Mental Health 101

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Subjects: Alcohol / Opioids / Cannabis / Nicotine & Tobacco / Gambling / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Dementias / Eating Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Stress

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Psychological First Aid pocket guide

Red Cross

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

This booklet is not intended to replace proper Psychological First Aid training.

Visit Psychological First Aid pocket guide

More Information:

Subjects: Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Caregiver, Family / Anxiety / Depression / Grief / Stress

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

MindShift CBT

Anxiety Canada

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Is anxiety getting in the way of your life? MindShift™ CBT uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to...

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Age Groups: Adults / Youth

Antidepressant Skills at Work

Psychology Health and Safety

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

A self-care guide that teaches employees skills for managing depression and low mood. It utilizes established cognitive-behavioural techniques with a specific focus on workplace issues.

Visit Antidepressant Skills at Work

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Age Groups: Adults

Walk Along

University of British Columbia

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

WalkAlong isn't your typical mental health website, it is a community where young Canadians can explore their mental health amongst their peers. This portal is a Canadian-based mental health resource that also provides information and links to...

Visit Walk Along

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Age Groups: Youth

Mood Meter

Government of Newfoundland

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

We can all take actions to improve our ‘mood’ or mental wellness. The Mood Meter is a creative way for you to think about how you are feeling and what actions you can take to improve your mental wellness.

Visit Mood Meter

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Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

MindWell U

MindWell U - Mindfulness-In-Action

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

When you join you’ll learn how ‘mindfulness-in-action’ is the fastest way to decrease stress, increase resilience, improve your mental health, and make you more capable to handle all of life’s challenges.

Join now to see positive changes in all...

Visit MindWell U

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Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)

Therapy Assistance Online

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. As you watch videos and engage with our interactive components, you'll gain the knowledge, self...

Visit Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)

More Information:

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Dealing With Depression

This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Teaches a set of skills (realistic thinking, how to solve problems, setting goals you can achieve) that you can apply to your own life to overcome depression.

Visit Dealing With Depression

More Information:

Subjects: Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Depression / Stress

Age Groups: Adults / Youth

40 Program(s)

Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake is the entry point for all requests for service through the provincial toll free number 1-855-922-1122 Monday to Friday and all week-day holidays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as Tuesday evenings until...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

HopeNS

Nova Scotia Health Authority

HopeNS is an evidence-based tool that helps those affected by the wildfires and their loved one identify and adjust the negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours stressful times might provoke.

People in Nova Scotia can text HOPENS to 393939 to...

Subjects: Anxiety / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Stress

Availability:

Online Service

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative is a free program for Black men to access health care in the community to improve overall health and wellbeing. A team of health care professionals provide culturally appropriate primary medical care plus health and...

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Stress

Availability:

Central Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: Black, African Nova Scotian

Access Wellness Nova Scotia

Telus Health

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Access Wellness is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals, couples or families.

Sessions can be held over the phone, online with video, or in-person. People can speak with a qualified professional and learn...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Group Identities: 2SLGBTQIA+ / Black, African Nova Scotian / Canadian Forces, RCMP / First Nations, Indigenous

Mental Health Acute Day Hospital

Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Mental Health Acute Day Hospital cares for people with intense mental health issues or concerns. We offer:

More closely monitored care than what is offered by community MHA clinics
Support after you are discharged from an inpatient...

Subjects: Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Stress

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Age Groups: Adults

Sipekne’katik First Nation

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Sipekne’katik Health Centre has many programs available for its community to benefit from, including:

Adult primary health care services
Prenatal classes and services
Parent programming
Maternal child health services
Public health...

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Opioids / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Northern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Pictou Landing Health Centre

Pictou Landing First Nation

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Provides health services to Pictou Landing First Nation community members, including mental health counselling.

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Northern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Millbrook Health Centre

Millbrook First Nation

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Millbrook Health Centre provides health services to Millbrook Band members, First Nations people who reside at Millbrook First nation, and community members.

Services provided include:

Primary health care
Nursing services
Dental...

Availability:

Northern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Paqtnkek Health Centre

Paqtnkek Health

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Dedicated and caring staff at the Paqtnkek Health Centre support a variety of community health promotion, education and prevention programs from Monday through Friday.

The centre provides primary health care services for adults and children, such...

Availability:

Eastern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

We'koqma'q Health and Wellness Department

We'koqma'q Health & Wellness Department

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The department provides an array of services including:

Home and community care
Dietician services
Clinical therapists
Addictions services
Public health
Primary care
Palliative care
Lab services

The department is also actively...

Availability:

Eastern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Membertou Health and Wellness Home

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Membertou Wellness Home delivers programs in heart disease/hypertension, smoking cessation, healthy weight, crisis prevention/intervention, mental health, pre-natal, diabetes foot care, addictions services, dental therapy, chronic disease, home...

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Nicotine & Tobacco / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Eastern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq - Mental Wellness Team

Union of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Mental Wellness Team provides case management and service navigation for First Nations persons of all ages seeking mental wellness services.

We work in collaboration with relevant community and provincial...

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Eastern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line

Indian Residential School Survivors Society

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. Call 1-866-925-4419.
There are no fees associated with use and this service is...

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program

IWK

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program provides specialized care throughout the province for children and youth up until their 19th birthday within a patient and family...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Children / Youth

Canadian Mental Health Association - Colchester East Hants Branch

Canadian Mental Health Association

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Colchester East Hants Branch provides public education, advocacy, and a resource center to support the resiliency and recovery of...

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Northern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Canadian Mental Health Association - Halifax-Dartmouth Branch

Canadian Mental Health Association

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Halifax-Dartmouth Branch works at the community level and facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve...

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia Division

Canadian Mental Health Association

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Canadian Mental Health Associations in Nova Scotia are the oldest community-based mental health and addictions charitable organizations in the province, founded in 1908. The...

Availability:

Eastern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Healthy Minds Cooperative

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Healthy Minds Cooperative is an innovative mental health cooperative that provides a variety of peer-based services to people with lived experience of mental health issues and...

Subjects: Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Eating Disorders / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Availability:

Central Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Hope for Wellness HelpLine

Donna Cona

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Hope for Wellness HelpLine offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent...

Subjects: Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Eskasoni Mental Health

Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS)

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS) provides a wide range of services to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Tui'kn Residential School Survivor...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Eastern Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Caregivers Nova Scotia

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Caregivers Nova Scotia provides free programs, services, information, and advocacy for family and friend caregivers. We are dedicated to providing recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care.

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: Caregiver, Family

Kids Help Phone

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service. We offer professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Children / Youth

211

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services - Mental Health Programs and Services

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and for delivering...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: Canadian Forces, RCMP

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service

Veterans Affairs Canada

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Veterans Affairs provide targeted services and benefits to improve well-being including support and services related to your physical and mental health and wellness.The VAC...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: Canadian Forces, RCMP

Phoenix Centre for Youth

Pheonix Centre for Youth

This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Phoenix Centre for Youth is a walk-in centre that helps youth ages 12-24 years who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in their day-to-day lives. Services offered are...

Subjects: Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Youth

Transition Hall

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Transition Hall is a recovery-oriented service designed to support individuals diagnosed with a mental illness, and experiencing significant functional challenges, who would...

Subjects: Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Stress

Availability:

Central Zone

Age Groups: Adults

Centre for Emotions and Health

Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Centre for Emotions and Health Clinic provides specialty consultation and psychotherapy services for people not responding to treatment in other parts of the medical and...

Subjects: Anxiety / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Stress

Availability:

Central Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors / Youth

Health Psychology

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Health Psychology offers psychological interventions for those with chronic and acute health conditions. The main focus is on the patient's mental and emotional reaction to an illness or their recovery from an illness.

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults

DaRT Program

Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Dynamic (attachment-focused) Relational Therapy Program (DaRT) is a part-time six week intensive group psychotherapy program. It is a treatment program that is designed to support adults who have experienced complex emotional trauma resulting in...

Subjects: Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Availability:

Central Zone

Age Groups: Adults

First Responders Assist

Nova Scotia Health Authority

This service will offer short-term counselling and supportive services, including follow up if needed, for first responders and their families impacted by the tragedies of...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Opioids / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults

Group Identities: First Responders

Adult Neurodevelopmental Stabilization Unit - Dual Diagnosis Program (Intellectual Disability in combination with Mental Illness)

Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Adult Neurodevelopmental Stabilization Unit (ANSU) is an acute care unit that provides services for persons with intellectual disability and acute mental illness that...

Subjects: Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Eating Disorders / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults

Community Outreach Assessment Support and Treatment Team (COAST) - Dual Diagnosis Program (Intellectual Disability in combination with Mental Illness)

Nova Scotia Health Authority

The community outreach assessment support and treatment team provides services for persons with both intellectual disability and also mental illness. These services include:

...

Subjects: Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults

School Mental Health (SchoolsPlus)

Nova Scotia Health Authority

The school mental health clinicians provide individual and group therapy, mental health and addictions education for school staff and consultation services. Clinicians are on...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Children / Youth

Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic

Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic (NSOSIC) belongs to a national network of OSI Clinics funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. The clinic provides mental health...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Group Identities: Canadian Forces, RCMP

Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line

Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress.

...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Group Identities: 2SLGBTQIA+ / Black, African Nova Scotian / Canadian Forces, RCMP / Caregiver, Family / First Nations, Indigenous / First Responders

First Nations Services

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Mental Health clinicians work as part of the first nations health care team in several first nations communities. The Mental Health Clinician provides assessment, diagnosis...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Group Identities: First Nations, Indigenous

Adult Community Mental Health and Addictions Services

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Community Mental Health and Addictions includes a team of mental health and addictions professionals who provide services on an outpatient basis. The team provides assessment...

Subjects: Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities

Availability:

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Northern Zone

Western Zone

Age Groups: Adults / Seniors

Child and Adolescent Services

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Child and Adolescent Services/Child Youth and Family/Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinical Services provide mental health and addiction services to children and youth...