Skip to main content

Withdrawal from friends and activities

 

Even the most social and outgoing of us sometimes need time alone to recharge. And for some of us, it’s totally normal to prefer being alone than in social situations. If you’re one of these people, don't assume (or let other people convince you) that you have a problem. 

Some people may have a strong desire to retreat from society, stay home, and isolate themselves from the world around them. For them, it’s too unbearable to be in social situations, and their life suffers because of it. It’s worth starting to ask questions if you find yourself suddenly enjoying social situations less than you normally would, or wishing you could be more socially comfortable. Social withdrawal can be a symptom of a more serious concern. 

Addressing social withdrawal is usually a matter of figuring out the feelings you’re having that are at the root of the problem. And it’s best done with the help of a professional. Talk to your doctor if your social withdrawal concerns you, or is affecting how well you can live your daily life. Therapy and medication can be very helpful for some people.

 

Tools

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 Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date.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:

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 Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date.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

More Information:

Adults / Seniors / Youth

PSPNET (Public Safety Personnel)

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 Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date.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 (Public Safety Personnel)

More Information:

Adults / Seniors

Togetherall

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 where...

Visit Togetherall

More Information:

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:

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

More Information:

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

More Information:

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:

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...

Visit MindShift CBT

More Information:

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

More Information:

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

More Information:

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

More Information:

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

More Information:

Adults / Seniors / Youth

38 Program(s)

The Bloom Program

The Bloom Program is a community pharmacy initiative designed to increase and improve mental health and addictions care for Nova Scotians.

Who is eligible to participate?

Anyone with a Nova Scotia Health Card who has:

  • One or more mental health...
Adults / Seniors

Access Wellness 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.

Access Wellness is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals (18 years and older), couples or families. 

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

Adults / Seniors

Acadia First Nation Community Health Centres

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.

Mission Statement:

Acadia First Nations Health mission is to provide health programs and services to: "Assist communities and its members to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health through health promotion, traditional teachings...

Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Glooscap First Nation Health and Healing Centre

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.

Health programs offered include:

  • Aboriginal Head-Start, On-Reserve (AHSOR)

  • Home and Community Care (HCC)

  • Brighter Futures - health promotion

  • Community Health Promotion and Injury/Illness Prevention

  • Building Healthy...

Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

Annapolis Valley First Nation Health Centre

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 Annapolis Valley First Nation Health Centre is made up of a Community Health Nurse, NADACA prevention Counselor, Community Based Water Monitor and a Receptionist.

Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

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...
Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

Pictou Landing Health Centre

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.

Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

Millbrook Health Centre

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 services
  • M...
Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

Paqtnkek Health Centre

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 as...

Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

We'koqma'q Health and 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 involved...

Adults / Seniors
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...

Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq - Mental Wellness Team

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...

Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line

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...

Adults / Seniors
First Nations, Indigenous

Strongest Families Institute - Child, Youth and Parent

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.

Strongest Families Institute (SFI) offers evidence-based, bilingual mental health services for children/youth and their families, when and where they need it.

SFI’s scientifically proven distance-delivered services improve mental health and well...

Children / Youth

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...

Children / Youth

Canadian Mental Health Association - Colchester East Hants Branch

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 people...

Adults / Seniors

Canadian Mental Health Association - Halifax-Dartmouth Branch

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...

Adults / Seniors

Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia Division

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 CMHA...

/
Adults / Seniors

Laing House

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.

Laing House, located in Halifax, is a drop-in centre for youth aged 16 – 29 living with mental health illness and/or challenges. Based on peer support, youth can meet friends who...

/
Adults / Youth

Hope for Wellness HelpLine

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...

Adults / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Eskasoni Mental 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.

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 Team...

Adults / Seniors / Youth
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.

Adults / Seniors
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...

Children / Youth

211

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.

Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

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

Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service

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...

Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Phoenix 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...

Adults / Youth

Health Psychology

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.

Adults

Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic

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...

Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Adolescent Outreach Services

Adolescent Outreach Services (AOS) is an expansion of the CaperBase model, which originated in Cape Breton. AOS focuses on providing:

  • Brief and Early Intervention
  • Screening
  • Outreach
  • Community Partnerships

The AOS model is set up for youth...

Children / Youth

811 LogoIKW Logo211 Logo