Whether you’re living on your own or isolating with family, loneliness and mental health woes can be a consequence of social distancing and the general anxiety that comes with a global pandemic. That’s partly why a coalition of Alberta health resources banded together to offer Text4Hope.
The new Alberta Health Services (AHS) program offers three months of free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-based text messages written by mental health therapists. To opt in to receive them, text “COVID19HOPE” to 393939 — messaging rates from your phone service provider may apply.
Once subscribed, you’ll receive daily one-way messages that aim to help you develop healthy coping skills and resiliency. It’s okay to experience negative thoughts, and Text4Hope will help you identify and adjust the negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours that may be caused by the pandemic.
The service was developed for AHS by Edmonton’s Mental Health Foundation in partnership with Calgary Health Trust, the University Hospital Foundation, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
This is one of a number of public health resources available during COVID-19. Visit the AHS page titled Help in Tough Times to find more info on Text4Hope and other programs.
