Chutneyfest’s MHA

The Covid-19 pandemic has been overwhelmingly stressful for individuals of all ages and numerous communities - whether it is through the drastic change to online classes, pressures of frontline healthcare workers or simply following social distancing guidelines at home. It should be acknowledged that no matter the predicament, it is okay to feel stressed, frustrated, and anxious during these difficult and constantly changing times.
What YOU can do to improve your mental health! Use these coping mechanisms to improve and sustain your mental health:

Take care of your body

  • Try engaging in at-home meditation, deep breathing, and stretching
  • Follow some at-home exercise routines, and be well rested
  • Try to make some healthy and well balanced meals, and drinks
  • AVOID substance abuse of alcohol, marijuana, etc.
  • Get the COVID-19 Vaccine as soon as it’s made available to your region
  • If these measures don't help, then definitely contact your healthcare provider

Take a break from social media, and listening to news stories

Whilst it is great to be informed on the current issues and status of the COVID-19 virus, it can cause anxiety and overwhelming stress on the body. Instead, create a timetable that creates a healthy balance of news/social media and other activities (keep an eye for our upcoming mental health video on how the #ChutneyFestCommunity is spreading the pandemic)!

Virtually connect with others:

Connect with family and friends through virtual means in order to combat the feeling of isolation and loneliness. For those whom you trust, speak to them about your current issues and how you are feeling!

Connect with your community:

To keep safe within the pandemic, you can connect with others on virtual platforms! For example - head on over to past #ChutneyFest events and engage with past performances and others watching as well. You can also follow us on our social media @ChutneyFestto and engage with others within the Indo-Caribbean community!


It should be noted that if stress gets in the way of your daily activities, contact your healthcare provider immediately! During these times, stress and low mental health can lead to suicidal thoughts - suicidal thoughts can be preventative and there are many resources! If these coping mechanisms are not helping, contact your local healthcare provider or check out these services below:

Call 911
Disaster Distress Helpline: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat
National Domestic Violence HotlinE: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis or text: 8388255

Our Indo-Caribbean community must unite, and stay strong during these difficult times!

https://cmha.ca/news/covid-19-and-mental-health
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html