Premier Brian Pallister announced on Thursday, April 16, 2020, that the online program to help Manitobans deal with anxiety surrounding COVID-19 is now up and running.
“We recognize many Manitobans are living with anxiety and stress posed by this pandemic,” said Pallister. “Our government is committed to helping Manitobans navigate this challenging and unprecedented time. You are not alone, we will get through this together.”
The program known as AbilitiCBT is a free and confidential virtual-therapy platform.
So far close to 600 people have registered for the program with more signing up every day.
The province says the program is guided by professional therapists and can help with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms including:
- uncertainty,
- physical isolation,
- caring for family and community members,
- information overload, and
- stress management
The program will help people:
- learn what anxiety is and how it affects their emotions, mind, body and behaviour;
- reduce anxiety by learning cognitive behavioral-therapy skills and using them to change responses to triggers; and
- develop coping strategies to track and reduce anxiety and better manage daily activities
Once register online they will be contacted by a therapist within a few days to book an initial assessment by phone.
People then complete a 10 module program at their own pace online while the therapist tracks and monitors progress. Throughout the process there are scheduled check-ins along the way to make sure people are getting the help they need.
You can access the program at www.manitoba.ca/covid19
© News4.ca 2020
