Welcome
The purpose of this webspace is to bring together the many resources that are within our community. I have heard from many patients the level of stress and anxiety that they are navigating. It is important to remember that we are all in this together and that the messaging is clear. It is time for us to focus on our health, our home and perhaps areas where we feel vulnerable and have neglected. Through staying home we are protecting our communities with one of the few interventions we have for this pandemic. Please utilize the form linked to the submit button below to provide me with thoughts/feedback or any additional resources you would like to highlight. I hope to upload and keep this space up to date as best as I can while working.
I would also like to acknowledge my gratitude and privilege as a settler working and living on traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. Especially at a time like this, it is important to recognize how infectious diseases, including the 1986 Smallpox epidemic, operated as a tool in colonialism. The resilience and strength of many generations of BC's First Nations communities through large scale loss and illness is an integral part of our current geo-political location that we need to value and learn more about.
-Mona Maleki , MD, CCFP
Navigating the Webpages
Below is information on what each webpage is about:
Includes links to Vancouver specific resources in all areas including mental health.
Includes links to articles/talks that may be of support and help articulate our feelings and thoughts at this time.
Includes links/apps that are currently Free/Discounted in areas of meditation/exercise.
Includes links to some official and personal favourite webpages that can further share information on COVID 19 and testing information/criteria .
Community Thoughts
Weekly Thoughts...
The air outside is reflecting just another addition that shows where our world is positioned. On top of complete changes in everyday routines and in addition to the anxiety and uncertainty, we are now facing the impact of climate change when we walk outside and sense the forests burning.
As a health care provider, I am sitting with the frailty that folks with pre-existing health conditions are experiencing with yet another threat to their health. I am sitting with the vulnerability of new parents, parents of teens, and parents of young adults who are facing a future that will not be what we have known up to this point as they face the start of schools. I am sitting with the worries of the many individuals who are going through career changes, divorce, and life transitions, let with no timelines and uncertainty.
In these moments, I am seeing the power the lies in individuals taking it day by day. But not passive days. Not waiting days to "get through it until we return". If anything now more than ever the power lies in in engaging in active and present days. Active checking in, active compassion towards yourself, active mindfulness around what nourishes you, active push to decide the time is now to purse that "thing" that you have put off that would mean the world to your sense of self to incorporate into your life.
The collective call for us to take individual steps for collective improvement is loud. Examine your contribution to the environmental stress, even if it is one step you take in this month to lessen your impact, it means a lot. There are a lot of local, provincial and federal protests for big projects that will further endanger our environment. There is no reason why any of us are above thinking and taking action. Not when we are reaching some irreversible states in our world and we are robbing future generations of the right to health and connection with nature.
Apathy, exhaustion, low energy, unmeaningful consumption. Right now is not the time. I hope you can find a fire to power through health-empowering routines. I hope you can do one activity to try to alleviate your mental stress. I hope you can create one connection with nature and being environmentally friendly to show you care. Use the current air that burns your lungs to create that fire and determination to commit to doing better. We must do better and we will. Please don't forget your mask or a big self embrace for doing the best you can :)
The full photo from the header. Please click on artist's name to see the beautiful work they have! Also linked below:
Link: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/KateFensom