Resource list: What can I do while I wait to see my doctor?

If you’re experiencing a mental health issue, the waiting period to see your doctor is always difficult. Waiting is naturally difficult for most of us, and when we suffer, wait times can become even more taxing.

While you are waiting, there are various resources and readings that may help.

A variety of mental health websites include wealth of information that may provide a better understanding of your symptoms.

The following list of mental-health-related resources may be helpful as you start your journey:

• The Panic Center – program/resource that provides information on anxiety and panic.
• The Depression Center – program/resource that provides information about depression.
• The NIMH Anxiety Disorders Education Program
• The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT)
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• The Canadian Psychological Association
• The Canadian Mental Health Association
• The National Network for Mental Health
• The Mood Disorders Society of Canada
• The Canadian Health Network
• Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)
• Great West Life Centre for Mental Health

Engaging in self-care while waiting to see your doctor can be an important part of the mental-healthcare process.

In addition to educating yourself about your symptoms and condition, self-care practices can include: adopting a healthy diet; doing regular physical exercise if and when possible; limiting alcohol and avoiding cigarettes or other drugs; and adopting good sleep habits.