Interligne is there for you during the COVID-19 crisis

Hello everyone, 

The Interligne youth program team would like to send you a quick note to inform you of the measures put in place to continue supporting the LGBTQ + communities, including youth, their families and their mentors.

Our helpline, which is considered an essential service,  is still operational, with our intervention team there to listen to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, chat, or email.

This is an exceptional time we are living in which has found our most vulnerable communities being forced to adapt to less-than-optimal living situations. Whether that means you are an LGBTQ+ youth who is forced to hide your true self from unaccepting family members at home, living in fear of violence, living alone and finding yourself more isolated than ever, or living with heightened anxiety and stress, we know you are there, we know it’s hard, and even though it may feel like it, you are not alone. This can lead you to ask questions about yourself. Questions about your sexual orientation and/or your gender identity. Interline remains there for you. Interline is also available for your parents who would like to understand you better or who may not know how to support you well. We are here for you, and anyone else who needs someone to reach out to in these trying times. 

We at Interligne have noticed, we are sure you have as well, that the internet and social media in general is exploding with suggestions on how to fill the expanses of time we are all facing. From yoga and workout videos to virtual museum tours, to concerts, podcasts and reading material, movies and tv series,there is no shortage of ways to fill your time, and a lot of it is free. This is great news! But it can be a little overwhelming and difficult to know which choices will help you feel better and which will make you numb. So instead of adding more options, we want to offer a structure instead. Every day, as much as possible, take care of yourself!

Here are 5 areas of self-care to cycle through as much as possible:

physical self care:

•  good for your body
• exercise, yoga, meditation, 
• drink water, make healthy meals
• do something that makes you laugh
• wear your favourite outfits

emotional self care:

• good for your mind 
• write in your journal, this can help you process your feelings and come to terms with the current situation
• allow yourself to feel how you feel, let yourself cry if you are upset
• listen to music
• read books, read articles about your interests

psychological self care:

• good for your brain and overall well-being
• play logic or memory games, do puzzles
• listen to music
• connect with your family or friends
• reach out to support groups or helplines if you feel socially isolated

spiritual self care:

• good for your soul
• practice meditation
• take a walk in a park, practice mindfulness in nature
• contribute to causes you care about, whether through donation or volunteering
• consider what is good in your life, focus on feeling grateful, even if it’s only for a couple minutes 

professional self care:

• good for your career, whether it is your schooling or your work
• take time to connect with your coworkers
• keep your work time and personal time balanced, take breaks when needed
• designate a specific work area in your home, try to maintain a schedule and routine 
• develop a hobby outside your work or school

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty glass, you can’t help others unless you help yourself first! Self care is of paramount importance. Be kind to yourself, be patient with yourself. Don’t hesitate to reach out and use the resources that are available to you. 

If you want to see up to date information about COVID-19, click here.

If you want to see Health Montreal’s information and recommendations for Montrealers, click here. 

If you are under financial stress due to the COVID-19 crisis, click here. 

if you want to make sure you are washing your hands properly, click here.  

If you need to talk to someone, click here. 

Everything will be fine, we are all in this together.

Dora

On behalf of the youth program’s team