‘You are not alone’ says Caledon Fire chief amid pandemic

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

The Caledon Fire Department is reaching out to the community, spreading support and inclusiveness to anyone struggling with mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The coronavirus has had a tremendous impact on individuals, families, businesses, organizations, charities; and, basically, everyone else over the past few months. 

According to Statistics Canada, 48 per cent of Canadians reported to have good or even excellent health amid the pandemic, through online surveys. 27 per cent from the ages of 15 to 24, 19 per cent those 25 to 64 and 10 per cent for seniors, 65 and older. 

“During times of COVID-19, many of us are starting to feel overwhelmed. Overwhelmed due to financial challenges, job loss, isolation from your friends, family and co-workers. My message to you, is you are not alone,” said Fire Chief for the Town of Caledon Darryl Bailey. 

Caledon Fire created an online video to share with the community, spreading their message of support and assistance for anyone struggling with mental health during the difficult times of COVID-19. 

“Because of the work we do day in and day out, we know the importance of talking with one another and seeking professional help when you need to,” stated Bailey. “On behalf of Caledon Fire and Emergency Services, we are all in this together.” 

Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson lauded the local fire department for stepping up to spread such a positive message at a time when many in the community need it most. 

“Thank you to our fire department for sharing this very important message. With these feelings of overwhelm many of us are experiencing, it's important to know you are not alone,” Mayor Thompson said. “It's okay to not be okay. Talk about it and reach out if you need help. We are all in this together.”

Following Caledon Fire's message, the Brampton Fire Department released their own video message to the community of reaching out when in need, and to lean on emergency services for support.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided a list of different strategies those struggling with mental health during the pandemic can use to help. 

WHO suggests to keep inform on any advice and recommendations given from local, provincial and federal representatives to stay updated. 

Create a daily routine including waking up and going to bed at similar times each day, eat healthy and exercise regularly, allocate work time, and time to do things you enjoy. 

Keep up with social contact with family, friends, co-workers through social media, text, phone, email, whatever your preference. Take regular breaks from screen time and video games. 

Resources are provided for Canadians who are struggling to cope during the pandemic, as well as quarantine and isolation, stigma and prejudice, stress and anxiety, and even help for health care workers at The Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) website. 

“Please don't hesitate to reach out, and get the help you need,” said Bailey. 

For more information, please visit camh.ca or Caledon.ca.