Cyberbullying How to Stay Safe Online https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/lgbtq-guide-online-safety/ Our online safety is something we take for granted. This guide is absolutely packed with information. ***I am advising content warnings. This is an amazing and informative read. But it does touch on sensitive issues & descriptive instances. I still highly advise this article be read and shared!*** “In a perfect world, LGBTQ+ people wouldn’t face a heightened risk online and would be free to express themselves however they wish. Sadly, social norms aren’t changing fast enough, and we still have a long way to go before that reality is realized. Unfortunately, this means that LGBTQ+ people have to be extra careful, especially online.”
Emergency Financial Assistance https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance.aspx Financial assistance for unexpected emergencies is available through the Emergency Needs Allowance. You can get help when a situation is caused by unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control, and it presents a severe health risk, and you cannot access other resources or wait until your next pay-cheque or Income Support benefit cheque.
School Bullying https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uf4870 Bullying is acting in ways that scare or harm another person. Kids who bully usually pick on someone who is weaker or more alone, and they repeat the actions over and over. Bullying starts in elementary school and becomes most common in middle school. By high school, it is less common but still occurs.
Youth Homelessness Initiatives http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/homelessness/youth-homelessness-initiatives.html The Government of Alberta, along with its community partners, is working to reduce youth homelessness, including homelessness among LGBTQ2S youth. Homelessness is a complex issue and young Albertans who identify as sexual or gender minorities are at more risk of experiencing homelessness.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency Ambulance, Fire, Police, RCMP 911
HEALTH Link Alberta (24hrs) 1-866-408-5465 or 811
Dial 211 for help with community or social services 211 When you see someone in distress, you can help before police or emergency services are needed by calling 211 and pressing 3 to dispatch the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team. Search for information on: • Financial & social assistance • Housing & utility help • Food assistance & meal programs • Seniors’ services & home care • Parenting & family programs • Government program assistance • Disability support services • Volunteer organizations • Newcomer services • Mental health support • and much more...
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Text CONNECT 686868 https://kidshelpphone.ca/what-is-kids-help-phone 24 hour, anonymous phone counseling for children and youth, 100% confidential they do not trace calls, they do not have call display, you do not have to tell them your name. You can connect by phone or mobile app, or through the website.
Translifeline http://www.translifeline.org The Hotline: Canada:1-877-330-6366 US:1-877-565-8860 Need to talk? Call! Our peer support hotline is run by and for trans people. Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led organization dedicated to improving the quality of trans lives by responding to the critical needs of our community with direct service, material support, advocacy, and education. Our vision is to fight the epidemic of trans suicide and improve overall life-outcomes of trans people by facilitating justice-oriented collective community aid.
Counselling & Support Groups
Rivers Edge Counselling - OK2BU - LGBTQ+ Youth Process and Support Group https://www.riversedgecounselling.com/ok2bu-lgbtq-youth-process-and-support-group/ (780) 460-0022 This group is funded by a grant from the St. Albert Community Foundation Many individuals whose sexual and/or gender identity fall outside the norms and expectations of the greater heterosexual cisgender populous continue to face prejudice and discrimination. The OK2BU – LGBTQ+ Youth Process and Support Group provides an opportunity for youth to come together in a safe meeting place to discuss and process the impact of life experiences associated with being members of the LGBTQ+ community.
How do we deal with stress and anxiety? https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/anxiety-tips.html?ref=search 1) Become a relaxation expert: We all think we know how to relax, but hanging out in front of the TV or computer isn’t relaxation. They may seem to relieve your anxiety or stress, but it’s a false sense of relaxation that’s only temporary. What the body really needs is daily practice of a relaxation technique – like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga – that has a physical effect on the mind.
2) Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise: Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life’s up’s and down’s? Get the right amount of sleep for your needs – not too much or too little. Eat well: choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long term energy (instead of the short bursts that come from too much sugar or caffeine). Exercise to send oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at their best.
3) Connect With Others: Spend time with friends or family. Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure, and the fun and sharing that go with it allow us to feel happier and less upset about things. If you feel worried or nervous about something, talking about it with someone who listens and cares can help you feel more understood and better able to cope. You’ll be reminded that everyone has these feelings sometimes. You’re not alone.
4) Connect With Nature: Heading out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded. (choose somewhere you feel safe so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings) Walking, hiking, trail biking, or snowshoeing offer the additional benefit of exercise. Invite a friend or two – or a family member – along and enjoy feeling connected to people as well.
5) Pay Attention to the Good Things A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive. Appreciate the small, everyday blessings. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen.
Note: When anxiety or worry feels extreme, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. For someone who has an anxiety disorder, getting proper care from a health professional is important.