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Provided by: The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans (CPCoE) works as a research centre to improve the understanding of Veteran-specific chronic pain and how best to manage it. Our mission is to foster a national network of interdisciplinary pain management centres using research and evidence-based strategies to improve care for Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and their families.
Summary: By watching this video, you will discover how the CPCoE partners directly with Veterans to prioritize research, and how they share these insights to improve treatment options and care policy for Veterans.
You can also visit their website (www.veteranschronicpain.ca) to learn more and find evidence-based educational resources specifically tailored to help you, your family, or your clinician understand and manage veteran-specific chronic pain.
Provided by: Migraine Canada and Migraine Quebec have partnered to ensure every Canadian has access to a supportive, inclusive, and peer-led space for connecting with others living with migraine.
Summary:
These peer-led virtual support groups provide a safe, welcoming environment where individuals can:
Daytime Group are held on the third Thursday of every month at 12:00 PM EST
Evening Group are held on the last Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM EST
West Coast Support Group (PST Timezone) are held on the last Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM PM PST
Provided by: The Chronic Pain Network
Summary: The Action On Pain podcast takes a closer look at the implementation of An Action Plan for Pain in Canada.
Launched by Health Canada to address the needs of people living with pain, the plan set out clear goals for improving prevention, care, education, and research. We review the progress made to date, identify key challenges, and hear from voices across the pain community on what still needs to happen.
Action on Pain is hosted by Jennifer Daly-Cyr, Keith Meldrum, and Virginia McIntyre
Provided by: The Ottawa Hospital Pain Clinic
Summary: In this accessible chair-based session guided by physiotherapist Cristin Kargus, you’ll gently mobilize wrists, ankles, neck, shoulders, trunk, and hips while focusing on smooth breathing. The practice helps reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and ease muscle tension without standing. Move slowly, observe sensitive areas, and modify as needed, perfect for anyone managing chronic pain who prefers or needs to stay seated.
Summary: Led by physiotherapist Cristin Kargus, this Core Centering Qigong practice integrates four gentle elements: acupressure self-massage, subtle mindful movements, paced breathing, and a calming meditation. It helps balance the autonomic nervous system, decrease anxiety, and create a sense of calm and grounded energy. Particularly helpful for reducing muscle tension and low back discomfort. Suitable for sitting or standing, move gently and rest whenever needed.
Summary: Guided by physiotherapist Cristin Kargus, this practice focuses on mobilizing joints and gently stretching/strengthening muscles around the shoulders, hips, and back. Performed on a mat (or bed), it includes shoulder circles, hip movements, bridges, glute stretches, and relaxing poses like child’s pose. Breathing is used to relax muscles and activate them safely. Props such as a folded towel or yoga block are suggested for support. Always move within your comfort zone, take breaks, and skip or modify any exercise that doesn’t feel right.
Summary: Led by physiotherapist Cristin Kargus at The Ottawa Hospital, this guided Qigong-inspired practice uses gentle, flowing movements, rhythmic breathing, and positive natural imagery (ocean waves, sunlight, clouds, bamboo in the wind). It helps mobilize the whole body, improve circulation, lubricate joints, and calm the nervous system. You can participate standing or seated, or simply visualize the movements and focus on breathing if that feels better. Ideal for anyone managing chronic pain who wants to move mindfully and safely.
Developed by: Alberta Health Sciences
Summary: This Alberta Health Services page explains what CRPS is, its common symptoms, and how it’s treated. You’ll find clear, reliable information about causes, diagnosis, and practical ways to manage pain and regain movement. It also highlights the importance of early care, rehabilitation, and emotional support.Explore trusted guidance to help you understand CRPS and take an active role in your recovery.
Presented by: Dr. Andrea Furlan, MD, pain specialist, Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a Staff Physician and Senior Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
Summary: In this deeply personal interview, Cheryl Beland recounts her struggle with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and how she ultimately found a way through 18 years of relentless pain. The 26-minute video traces the evolution of her condition, the challenges she faced (including misdiagnoses, diminishing hope, and the emotional toll of chronic suffering), and the pivotal turning points that led her toward healing.This video is especially relevant for anyone living with chronic pain seeking inspiration from real-life recovery stories. It offers both an authentic look at the struggle of CRPS and an uplifting account of resilience and transformation.
Summary: In this concise 13-minute video, Dr Furlan explains what CRPS is — how it arises, what symptoms typically present, and why it’s more than just “bad pain.” Viewers will learn:
How CRPS can follow an injury or trauma
Common signs and symptoms (pain, swelling, colour/temperature changes)
What happens in the nervous system
Importance of early treatment and rehabilitation
Hope and practical steps for recovery
Offered by: The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region is an independent, non-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and powered by a dedicated team of over 200 professionally trained community volunteers and staff.
Summary: The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region is a vital community resource dedicated to providing a supportive and empowered environment for individuals facing life's many challenges. Operating 24/7, the Centre offers confidential, non-judgmental, and open-minded support to anyone in need. Whether you are dealing with loneliness, anxiety, situational distress, or thoughts of suicide, the Centre ensures that no one has to face their struggles alone. Click on the link for more info or call one of their available Distress Lines:
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis yourself, or know someone who is, please phone the 24/7 Crisis Line.
Serving Ottawa and surrounding areas—including the Outaouais, Renfrew County, and Prescott-Russell— responders are professionally trained in active listening and crisis intervention, helping callers assess their situations and connecting them with essential community resources.
Developed by: The Chronic Pain Toolkit was sponsored by Health Canada and created in partnership between Grand Council Treaty #3 Health Transformation team, Transitional Pain Service at the University Health Network, Ganawishkadawe – the Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health at Women’s College Hospital.
Summary: In Chapter 3 of the Chronic Pain Toolkit, you will learn some important things to know about getting medical care for chronic pain:
Access Chapter 3 of the Chronic Pain Toolkit by clicking on the link below or visit https://gct3.ca/social/health/chronic-pain/ for the complete Toolkit and additional resources.
Summary: In Chapter 2 of the Chronic Pain Toolkit, you will learn the most helpful things you can do to lower your pain and live your fullest life through:
Access Chapter 2 of the Chronic Pain Toolkit by clicking on the link below or visit https://gct3.ca/social/health/chronic-pain/ for the complete Toolkit and additional resources.
Summary: In Chapter 1 of the Chronic Pain Toolkit, you will learn how chronic pain is understood from a Western medical approach:1. Why pain happens2. What makes pain worse3. The connection between pain, past experiences, and mental health
Access Chapter 1 of the Chronic Pain Toolkit by clicking on the link below or visit https://gct3.ca/social/health/chronic-pain/ for the complete Toolkit and additional resources.
Note: We acknowledge that this is only one way in which chronic pain can be understood and other ways can also be helpful in managing pain.
Summary: The Chronic Pain Toolkit is for anyone living with chronic pain and for their caregivers. It was created to support community members of the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 who are living with chronic pain, with the hope that it may also support other First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Turtle Island living with chronic pain.
The Chronic Pain Toolkit has three chapters:
The resources in the Toolkit combine knowledge from Traditional Anishinaabe and Western medicine with stories from GCT#3 community members about living well when you have chronic pain.
By visiting this webpage on the Grand Council Treaty #3 website, you will be able to read the resources online, download them, or print them.
Developed by: Renowned pain specialist Dr. Angela Mailis, founder of The Pain and Wellness Centre.
Summary: In this series of short videos, Dr. Mailis helps you make sense of chronic pain—breaking down complex science into everyday language. Through real patient stories and easy-to-follow explanations, you’ll learn how your body, brain, and emotions all play a role in how you experience pain.
Whether you’re dealing with ongoing back pain, joint discomfort, or just curious about how pain works, this series is your guide to understanding what’s happening and how to take back control.
Developed by: Pain BC and Pain Canada in partnership with people living with pain and healthcare providers.
Summary: On a good day, our positive mood can help our brain turn down the volume on the pain alarm. On a not-so-good day, our brain is turned up to high alert and is paying extra attention to anything to do with pain. Check out this module from LivePlanBe+ to learn more about the connections between mood and emotions and chronic pain.
Note: You will need an account on LivePlanBe+ to access this module.
Provided by: The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline in Canada is led and coordinated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), with funding from the Government of Canada. When you call or text 9-8-8, you will reach a responder at one of nearly 40 local, provincial and territorial, and national crisis lines, who co-deliver the service.
Summary: The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is a safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Simply call or text 9-8-8 to get help when you need it most. If you are feeling like you have lost hope and are struggling to cope, if you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is here for you. When you reach out, a trained responder will listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help.
9-8-8 is here to provide moments of connection that create hope, support recovery and save lives. They help people connect to their strengths and find new ways to cope, live and thrive. Their vision is a Canada where suicide is prevented because everyone can access help when they need it the most.
Provided by: The app was created based on the therapy manual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Veterans and was developed collaboratively by VA’s National Center for PTSD,
Summary: Coach Insomnia is a free mobile app designed to help you improve your sleep. Through a 5-week step-by-step plan, it teaches you about insomnia, healthy sleep habits, and strategies to break patterns that interfere with rest. You can continue using the app afterwards to track your sleep and maintain progress. Insomnia Coach can be used on its own as a self-care tool or alongside professional care, and it’s grounded in proven, research-based techniques. Features include:
Provided by: Michelle, a peer health navigator and founder of The Happy Pelvis, draws on her lived experience to raise awareness about pelvic health and support those living with chronic pelvic pain. Through community collaboration and resource sharing, she empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their care.
Summary: The Support Groups page on The Happy Pelvis offers a curated list of peer-led and community-based groups designed for individuals living with chronic pelvic pain and related conditions. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, you will find:
Summary: The Happy Pelvis offers education, resources, and personal insights to help people better understand and manage chronic pelvic pain and related conditions. Visit the website to find:
Provided by: Back Care Canada, by the Canadian Spine Society, is a trusted resource providing evidence-based information and guidance to help Canadians understand, prevent, and manage spine and back health issues.
Summary: The Treatment Options section of Back Care Canada offers evidence-based guidance for managing low back and leg pain. It covers a range of approaches, from staying active and avoiding prolonged bed rest to understanding when to seek professional care. You will find 8 articles covering:
Together, these resources help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.
Developed by: HealthLinkBC, a government-supported resource that provides trusted health information and advice to help British Columbians make informed decisions about their health and care.
Summary: This HealthLink BC webpage is a practical decision aid to help you consider whether to have an MRI for low back pain. It presents clear, evidence-based facts about what MRIs can and cannot show, outlines when they are useful, and explains what to expect during the procedure. You will find interactive tools like a quiz to explore your thoughts and concerns, a fact check to test your understanding, and a summary to guide your next steps. This resource is designed to support informed, personal decision-making in partnership with your healthcare provider.
Developed by: Choosing Wisely Canada, a national campaign that helps clinicians and patients make informed decisions about tests, treatments, and procedures based on evidence and necessity.
Summary: In this pamphlet, you will discover why extended bed rest slows recovery and how gentle movement and exercise can help relieve pain. Learn evidence-based strategies for treating lower back pain safely and effectively.
Developed by: The Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI).
Summary: Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. While it can be distressing, most cases are not caused by serious conditions. By completing this educational module from the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute, you will learn how chronic low back pain is diagnosed, the role of physical exams, why imaging is often not needed, and how to recognize when further testing is appropriate. You will also explore the importance of active self-management and strategies to support recovery.
Summary: In this article, you will explore six different patient experiences that show the many ways low back pain can appear. These stories highlight various causes, symptoms, and coping strategies to help you better understand your own condition. By reading these personal accounts, you can find similarities with your experience and learn about potential treatments and ways to manage your pain. This resource is designed to give you knowledge and confidence so you can make informed choices and take an active role in your recovery journey.
Summary: This article explains why staying active is important for managing low back pain and how moving around helps recovery more than staying in bed. It shows that most back pain is not caused by serious problems, which can help reduce worry. The article covers how healthcare providers can guide people toward effective ways to manage pain and highlights the value of learning and taking care of oneself. You will find practical tips for staying informed, building helpful habits, and feeling more confident in your recovery journey.
Summary: In this 20-minute video, Dr. Andrea Furlan demonstrates a series of SSAR (Self-Stretching, Strengthening, and Active Release) exercises designed to alleviate low back pain stemming from myofascial trigger points of lumbar spine. She explains how these trigger points can contribute to discomfort and provides step-by-step guidance on exercises that can be performed at home to target and release tension in the affected area. This practical session aims to empower individuals with tools to manage and reduce their pain, enhancing mobility and overall quality of life.
Summary: In this 20-minute video, Dr. Andrea Furlan explains spinal stenosis—its causes, symptoms, and how it affects mobility. She demonstrates 10 home-based exercises and pain-relief positions to help manage discomfort and improve quality of life. Dr. Furlan emphasizes the importance of staying active and provides practical, evidence-based strategies to alleviate pain and prevent flare-ups. Whether you're new to exercise or managing chronic pain, this session offers accessible techniques to incorporate into your daily routine.
This video is ideal for individuals seeking non-invasive ways to manage spinal stenosis and enhance their physical well-being.
Provided by: Yoga with Adriene. Yoga With Adriene is a popular YouTube channel led by Adriene Mishler, offering accessible, inclusive, and gently guided yoga practices for people of all levels to support physical and mental well-being.
Summary: In this 25-minute session you will learn how gentle yoga can help ease chronic pain and tension—especially in the back, shoulders, and hips. Adriene guides you through soothing movements and poses that:
Expect a blend of stretching, gentle twists, and restorative holds—all designed to support long-term pain management and well-being. Whether you're starting your yoga journey or coping with chronic pain, this practice will leave you feeling grounded, relieved, and more connected to your body.
Summary: In this 20-minute video from Dr. Furlan, you will learn what causes most cases of low back pain—and why it’s often not what people think. Dr. Furlan breaks down the difference between serious and non-serious causes, helping you understand when to seek medical attention. You'll discover how daily habits, posture, stress, and fear of movement contribute to pain, and why staying active matters. This video also teaches why imaging like MRIs is often unnecessary and how a biopsychosocial approach—considering body, mind, and lifestyle—can support recovery. Gain practical tools and confidence to better manage and prevent low back pain.
Developed by: the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative (CCGI) to help people manage low back pain. The exercises are based on expert recommendations and were demonstrated by two experienced university professors, Nadia Richer and Caroline Poulin, with narration by Dr. André Bussières. The videos were filmed and produced by the team at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR).
Summary: This short exercise video series will show you how to do simple, safe, and effective exercises that can help reduce pain, improve your movement, and support your recovery. If you have ongoing (chronic) low back pain, you can follow the exercises starting at Level I (easier) and slowly work your way up to Level III (more challenging), depending on how you feel and what your symptoms are.
Provided by: Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.
Summary: Mindful Mondays is a series of short video sessions, designed to introduce and promote the practice of mindfulness and well-being to those living with Sickle Cell Disease, their caregivers and to all, through breathwork, affirmations and mindfulness techniques. Join Dr. Marjorie Brewer and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America community and enjoy these Mindful Mondays sessions.
Provided by: Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada
Summary: The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada (SCDAC), established in 2012, is committed to raising awareness of sickle cell disease by improving the identification, diagnosis and treatment of this disease, with the goal of improving the quality of life for those affected by it and their families.
To achieve its mission, AAFC/SCDAC supports the development and growth of its member organizations in Canada and facilitates their collaborative efforts. Visit their website to learn more.
Provided by: Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO).
Summary: Visit this page on the SCAGO website to understand the intricacies of the overall impact of Sickle Cell Disease, from the perspective of individuals with lived experience and siblings of those affected. These stories are presented as short videos or articles.
Provided by: Knowledge Keeper Melvina Redeagle and Elder Elaine Eagle in collaboration with Dr. Stacey Lovo and her team from the University of Saskatchewan. These resources were developed with support from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, Northern Medical Services and the Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association.
Summary: This website contains community-directed rehabilitation materials in different Indigenous languages which provides information on how to take care of your back. It includes brochures and educational videos on:
Note: This link will direct you to the materials developed in Dakota. Other Cree languages are available on the same page.
Provided by: Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and language experts in collaboration with Dr. Stacey Lovo and her team from the University of Saskatchewan. These resources were developed with support from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, Northern Medical Services and the Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association.
Note: This link will direct you to the materials developed in Heritage Michif. Other Cree languages are available on the same page.
Note: This link will direct you to the materials developed in Cree TH. Other Cree languages are available on the same page.
Note: This link will direct you to the materials developed in Cree Y-Dialect. Other Cree languages are available on the same page.
Note: This link will direct you to the materials developed in Northern Cree Michif. Other Cree languages are available on the same page.
Note: This link will direct you to the materials developed in Dene. Other Cree languages are available on the same page.
Summary: This page on SCAGO website provides a variety of information on Sickle Cell Disease. You will find articles to read or download on different topics including adhering to treatment, blood transfusions, Covid-19, iron overload, and much more.
Presented by: Beatrice Kahenya (MScN, PHC-NP) and Lance Archer, moderated by Amos Tunji-Ajayi (MPH, SCAGO Education Coordinator) during the 2023 Sickle Cell Summit Ontario.
Summary: This 50-minute video is a great recording of psychosocial track 1 of the 2023 Sickle Cell Summit Ontario. Two professionals who live with SCD talk about non- pharmacological management of sickle cell pain.
The first speaker (Beatrice Kahenya) talks about the differences between acute and chronic pain, exploring when non-pharmacological measures fit in and the top 3 non- pharmacological modalities from a literature and clinician perspective. (Starts at 5:04)
The second speaker (Lance Archer) provides the lived experience perspective of using non-pharmacological interventions for managing Sickle Cell pain. (Starts at 24:10)
Presented by: The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans
Summary: This series of webinars provide education on the evolution of pain management and current best practices in evidence-based interdisciplinary care. Presented in an accessible manner, the target audience is veterans, their families, health care professionals, case managers, and researchers. The reoccurring theme throughout is the importance of prioritizing the overall quality of life of a Veteran and their families using a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to help guide their chronic pain management programs.
Developed by: The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans in collaboration with Melanie Noel, PhD, RPsych, and Samantha Novek, PhD.
Summary: This 3-minute video summarizes the insights from 12 Veteran families interviewed about the impacts of chronic pain on their family life and children. It also features one of these Veteran families sharing their own experience.
Presented by: Leo Rautins, Former NBA Player and TV Personality, at the 2023 Canadian Pain Society Scientific Meeting sponsored by the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans.
Summary: In this 3-minute video, Leo Rautins explains the connection between pain and identity through his own experience transitioning from a professional athlete to a TV broadcaster with chronic low back pain, identifying similarities with Veterans. He invites you, Veterans who served their country, to now serve yourself, and he provides tips to succeed.
Developed by: The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans in collaboration with Bryan Cater and Sharon Horan.
Summary: With this 2-minute video, you will be introduced to the model of interdisciplinary care in a way that is easy to understand, and learn how it was helpful for a group of Veteran patients in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Developed by: The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans in collaboration with Gregory K. Tippin, PhD, Vikas Parihar, Pharm.D.
Summary: This 2-minute video summarizes early insights from a research study that sought to better understand Veterans’ experiences with using cannabis. Learn how cannabis was helpful for some Veterans with chronic pain and what common questions and concerns they raised to inform future research.
Developed by: The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans in collaboration with Neil Pearson PT, MSc, C-IAYT, ERYTS00.
Summary: This one-page infographic summarizes research findings about how yoga therapy is used by Veterans to manage pain. Learn about the benefits of yoga reported by Veterans, tips on how to get started, and links to YouTube Channels to give yoga a try.
Offered by: Pain Canada in partnership with ManagingLife.
Summary: Pain after surgery is common and usually managed with medications. Evidence shows that learning about pain before their operation helps people undergoing surgery to set realistic expectations about pain, use prescribed medications safely, and improves their well-being and comfort. Managing Pain Before and After Surgery is a free self-paced online program designed to help people undergoing surgery and their families better manage pain after surgery and decrease complications.
The brief course is made up of three modules (about 30-45 min per module):
Note: This course was developed, as part of a research study (the Preoperative Education Initiative: A Prospective Observational Study), to explore how an education program can impact participants’ pain management before and after surgery. While completing the course, consider joining the research study to contribute to advancing the evidence supporting this program.
In this video, Dr. Andrea Furlan provides an in-depth explanation of fibromyalgia, including its symptoms and underlying causes. She highlights why exercise is a key component of treatment and management, offering insights into how movement can help alleviate pain and improve quality of life. This is the first installment in a four-part series dedicated to understanding and managing fibromyalgia.
The Fibro Flare Kit is a free, evidence-based resource developed to support individuals with fibromyalgia during symptom flares. Created with input from experts and those with lived experience, the kit provides practical strategies, educational insights, and self-care tools to help manage pain, fatigue, and other flare-related challenges. Whether you're looking for guidance on pacing, relaxation techniques, or symptom tracking, the Fibro Flare Kit offers valuable support tailored to your needs.
Discover a thoughtfully curated collection of books recommended by the fibromyalgia community. This selection includes resources on pain management, mindfulness, self-care, and lived experiences, offering valuable insights and support for those navigating life with fibromyalgia. Whether you're looking for expert advice or personal stories, these books provide knowledge, encouragement, and a sense of connection.
The Fibromyalgia Association Canada Fibro Chats YouTube channel is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals living with fibromyalgia. Explore expert-led discussions, personal stories from Canadians with lived experience, and educational content on managing symptoms, treatments, and advocacy.
Support groups empower its members to take good care of their health by providing a positive environment, good-quality and reliable information. The peer to peer exchange of lived experience and knowledge shared can help members better manage their problems, learn about the health problem, and seek treatment or other supports.
Hosted by the Chronic Pain Network, our goal is to make sure the voices and experiences of people with pain are included in research and decision-making.
At Pain Connect, we believe that the people who know the most about living with pain are those who experience it every day.
By partnering with researchers, policymakers, and knowledge mobilizers, individuals with lived experience can help shape research studies and contribute to projects that impact the way pain is understood and treated in Canada.
Developed by: BounceBack® is provided by The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) across Canada. In Manitoba, the program is delivered to individuals across the province by the Canadian Mental Health Association - British Columbia Division.
Summary: BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. BounceBack® can help you build skills to improve your mental health.Click “Go to Resource” to learn more or register. Note: You can also call 1-844-733-8181 for more information and/or to get help to determine if BounceBack® is a good fit for you or someone you care about.
Developed by: BounceBack® is provided by The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) across Canada. In Ontario, the BounceBack program is delivered to individuals across the province by the Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe.
Summary: BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. BounceBack® can help you build skills to improve your mental health.Click “Go to Resource” to learn more or register.
Note: You can also call 1-866-345-0224 for more information and/or to get help to determine if BounceBack® is a good fit for you or someone you care about.
This online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course is 100% free, created by a fully certified MBSR instructor, and is based on the program founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. More than 7,000 graduates from 100 countries have completed all the course requirements.
Developed by: This self-directed course is a tailored to Alberta version of the Empowered Management course developed by Dr. Rosemary Wilson, NP, PhD from Queen's University and Dr. Rachael Bosma, PhD from Women's College Hospital in Toronto, and co-designed with people with lived experience. Alberta-specific adaptations have been co-designed by the Alberta Virtual Pain Program’s clinicians and peer-support workers as well as people with lived experience from Alberta.
Summary: Gain control over your life and participate in the things that are important to you. This course provides you with tools to be an active participant in your pain management. Key concepts and terms covered include:
Note: A Power Over Pain Portal account is required to partake in the course.
Summary: In this 20-minute video, Dr. Andrea Furlan explains why some people will develop chronic pain after a surgical procedure. And what can be done to prevent and treat this kind of chronic postsurgical pain.
Developed by: This guide was updated with permission for online use from "A Patient’s Guide to Total Knee Replacement Outpatient Surgery" developed by the Total Joint Assessment Clinic staff for patients at the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS).
Summary: This interactive guide contains detailed information to help patients prepare for and recover from their Total Knee Replacement Surgery. Divided in 8 modules, the information provided includes:
Click "Go to Resource" to access this interactive guide.
Note: This course is available on the Power Over Pain Thinkific learning platform. You will need to create a free account on Thinkific to partake in the course and keep track of your progress. If you would like an electronic copy of the NLHS original guide, click on the image below.
Developed by: This guide was updated with permission for online use from "A Patient’s Guide to Total Hip Replacement Surgery" developed by the Total Joint Assessment Clinic staff for patients at the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS).
Summary: This interactive guide contains detailed information to help patients prepare for and recover from their Total Hip Replacement Surgery. Divided in 8 modules, the information provided includes:
Developed by: The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Summary: BounceBack® is a free skill-building program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Working with workbooks and a trained coach to guide you and encourage you to reflect, BounceBack® can help you build skills to improve your mental health. Click “Go to Resource” and select your province or territory to find the right program for you.
Note: You can also call 1-855-873-0013 or email [email protected] for more information and/or to get help to determine if BounceBack® is a good fit for you or someone you care about.
Developed by: Stanford University and offered in Winnipeg by experienced class leaders with The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and The Wellness Institute.
Summary: Powerful Tools for Caregivers provides caregivers techniques to manage your own health while you continue to care for a friend or relative. This free program includes 6 sessions (once per week) of 90 minutes. In-person and virtual programming available. Evidence indicates caregivers who participate in the program see improvements in:
Click “Go to Resource” for more information or to register.
Developed by: The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
Summary: The free Get Better Together (GBT) Program offered in-person or online for all Manitobans helps people living with chronic physical and/or mental health condition(s) to build confidence to manage better. Topics covered over 6 weekly sessions include:
Note: Support persons are also welcome to register.
Summary: All Manitobans living with chronic pain can participate in this course, offered in-person or online. Participate in this course to:
This series offers 7 different educational sessions:
Note: This resource is for Manitoba residents only. You must attend the first session to access all others.
Developed by: The Saskatchewan Pain Society Inc. (SaskPain), a hub for information for people living with pain in Saskatchewan.
Summary: SaskPain links people living with pain, families, and healthcare providers with information about Saskatchewan health services, educational opportunities and research. Click “Go to Resource” to visit their website and:
Presented by: Dr. Mike Evans, MD, founder of the Health Design Lab at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Toronto, and staff physician at St. Michael's Hospital.
Summary: In this 7-minute Visual Whiteboard Lecture, Dr. Evans explains how to prepare for hip and knee replacement surgery.
Summary: Well Central is an accessible and completely free virtual Recovery College. Well Central offers interactive courses that empower individuals to take control of their mental health and well-being. Well Central offers a tailored online journey providing support, resources and guided courses, valuing each visitor’s unique experience. Courses include:
Developed by: Bridge the gapp was co-designed by Canadian governmental and community partners and people with lived experience with mental illness and addictions. Originally developed in Newfoundland and Labrador, it has been recognized nationally and internationally, and has been a trusted source for resources and services since 2015.
Summary: Bridge the gapp is a new way to connect with guidance and support for mental health and addictions. Bridge the gapp offers self-help resources, links to local services and allows Canadians to share their own personal stories and read other’s stories on the Wall of Hope.
Developed by: The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), a nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness. It is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada.
Summary: CMHA’s mission is to ensure that all people in Canada experience good mental health and well-being. Click “Go to Resource” to find information on:
Developed by: The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH).
Summary: It all starts with knowledge. The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) provides a series of free online tutorials as a starting point for learning about mental health. You can find tutorials on several topics related to mental health, addiction, and depression.
Note: Some of these tutorials will require the creation of a free account on CAMH course site.
Developed by: The Government of Canada.
Summary: Find free, virtually delivered mental health and substance use supports that are available across the country on canada.ca/mental-health. Click “Go to Resource” to find information on:
Presented by: Dr. Andrea Furlan, MD, PhD, pain specialist, Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a Staff Physician and Senior Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
Summary: In this 23-minute video Dr. Furlan explains how to calculate sleep efficiency and improve sleep quality. Dr. Furlan highlights several important factors to improve sleep efficiency and quality such as how low traffic noise affects cortisol levels, what room temperature is ideal for sleep, sleep routines and much more.
Developed by: Ontario Health, Government of Ontario.
Summary: Depression and anxiety-related concerns are the most common mental health issues faced by people in Ontario. Adults with these concerns can get free cognitive-behavioural therapy and related services through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program.
The program offers two types of services to meet your needs:
Click “Go to Resource” to learn more and see if this program is suitable for you.
Note: This resource is available to Ontario residents only.
Developed by: The National Overdose Response Service (NORS), a collaborative initiative between people who use drugs, Grenfell Ministries, the Brave Technology Co-op, and Dr. Monty Ghosh.
Summary: NORS is an overdose prevention hotline for Canadians providing loving, confidential, nonjudgmental support for you, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
Click “Go to Resource” to learn more.
Presented by: The Doctors of British Columbia (BC) and the BC Government.
Summary: These videos were created for the BC Patient Prehabilitation Program, as part of the Surgical Patient Optimization Collaborative (SPOC), an initiative of the Doctors of BC and BC Government through the Joint Collaborative Committees. BC Surgical Patient Prehabilitation is designed to assist patients to prepare for an elective procedure, so they experience improved outcomes from their surgery. It focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of surgery, therefore decreasing pre-surgical risk factors so that patients can obtain high quality outcomes from their surgery. With these 14 short videos (1-2 minutes each), you will learn about prehabilitation and all its components.
Developed by: The Transitional Pain Service at the Toronto General Hospital.
Summary: The effective treatment of ongoing pain involves a combination of approaches that focus on the body and mind. This self-directed learning course aims to better prepare patients for transitional pain care or pain after surgery. Access this 7-module course to learn how psychological techniques and strategies can help in managing pain. This course also includes information and resources to help you prepare for an appointment with a pain psychologist at a transitional pain clinic near you.
Summary: Research studies show that learning more about how pain works helps people cope better and manage their own pain. This self-directed learning course aims to better prepare patients for transitional pain care or pain after surgery. Access this 7-module course to learn about pain after surgery, how it can become chronic and how to manage it.
Developed by: eCentreClinic at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia
Summary: The Pain Course is a free, online and internet-delivered pain management program, designed to provide information and teach practical skills for managing the impact of chronic pain on day-to-day activities and emotional wellbeing.
The program consists of five lessons, each containing in-depth reading materials with many practical exercises to help integrate the content, and relatable lived experience stories carried throughout the course:
This self-guided course provides comprehensive and practical information. It is recommended to spread the five lessons over eight weeks, dedicating around four hours per week to get the most helpful experience. Feedback from past participants suggests that spending more time engaging with the materials increases the benefits of the course.
Note: This course is available on the Power Over Pain Thinkific learning platform. You will need to create a free account on Thinkific to partake in the course and keep track of your progress.
Developed by: The Government of Saskatchewan.
Summary: Click “Go to Resource” to learn and access addiction support services available to Saskatchewan residents, including:
Developed by: The Online Therapy Unit under the leadership of Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan. Programs are delivered by the Online Therapy Unit, and through an established partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Summary: The Online Therapy Unit provides effective online clinical treatment programs to Saskatchewan residents experiencing mental health difficulties. Online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy involves reviewing educational material online with the support of a therapist or a guide. Courses include:
Developed by: Good2Talk
Summary: Good2Talk is a free, confidential support service for post-secondary students in Ontario. Good2Talk can support students through a wide range of issues that may be impacting their mental health and well-being, including depression, anxiety, substance use, academic stress, personal or family relationships, loneliness, identity, financial concerns and other challenges.
Developed by: Health Quality Ontario is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors with a broad range of expertise –doctors, nurses, patients and from other segments of health care – and appointed by the Ontario Minister of Health.
Summary: Quality standards are sets of concise statements designed to help patients, residents, families, and caregivers know what to ask for in their care and help health care professionals easily and quickly know what care to provide, based on the best evidence. Health Quality Ontario – Chronic Pain informs you of the standard of care for Ontarians with chronic pain. Health Quality Ontario – Chronic Pain addresses care for adults, adolescents, and children, but excludes infants. The patient guide and quality standard statements provide knowledge of the standard of care you deserve. Click “Go to Resource” to learn about the 12 quality statements and more.
Presented by: Dr. Joshua Rash, PhD R. Psych., Director of the Behavioural Medicine Centre at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Summary: People who live with pain commonly report experiencing issues with sleep and, conversely, poor sleep can make it more difficult to manage pain. This 60-minute workshop with Dr. Josh Rash at Memorial University of Newfoundland explores the complex relationship between sleep and pain. Dr. Rash focusses on practical considerations and strategies for managing sleep disturbances among people who live with pain. Dr. Rash also provides insights on how to improve the management of pain by optimizing sleep.
Summary: Click “Go to Resource” to learn and access mental health services available to Saskatchewan residents, including:
Developed by: The Government of Yukon.
Summary: Visit this page to find the resources and support available in Yukon for those struggling with mental wellness and substance use issues. Resources include counseling, support groups, alcohol and drug addiction programs, and more.
Note: You can call 1-866-456-3838 to speak to someone right away.
Developed by: The Department of Health, Government of Nunavut.
Summary: The Department of Health is responsible for health services and social programming in Nunavut. Their website gives you access to different resources on:
Developed by: ConnexOntario and funded by the government of Ontario.
Summary: ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness and/or gambling by connecting individuals with services in their area. Call 1-866-531-2600, text CONNEX to 247247 or visit this page to connect with a system navigation specialist.
Presented by: Funded by the Champlain Local Health Integration Network, the Online Self-Management Program is made available Province-wide through a partnership between the Champlain Local Health Integration Network, Living Healthy Champlain, Bruyère Continuing Care, and the Regional Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs.
Summary: The Ontario Online Self-Management Program helps improve patient’s self-management of chronic conditions, health literacy and helps individuals living with chronic conditions to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Services includes:
Developed by: The Government of Prince Edward Island.
Summary: Prince Edward Island offers Islanders and their families a network of mental health and addictions programs, services and support as part of the health care system, other government departments and by community organizations. Visit this page to learn more.
Note: You can call the Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line (1-833-533-6983) to speak with a mental health professional now.
Summary: Bridge the gapp is a new way to connect with guidance and support for mental health and addictions in Prince Edward Island. Bridge the gapp offers self-help resources, links to local services, and allows the user to share their own personal stories, and view other’s stories on the Wall of Hope.
Developed by: AMI-Québec.
Summary: AMI-Québec is a community organization helping families manage the effects of mental illness through support, education, guidance, and advocacy. Click “Go to Resource” to access information on mental illness and treatments, workshops, support groups and more.
Developed by: Gouvernement du Québec.
Summary: Click “Go to Resource” to learn about the mental health assistance programs, resources and support services in Québec.
Note: Call 811 to quickly reach a professional in psychosocial intervention. If you or someone you know are feeling unsafe, please call the suicide prevention helpline at 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553).
Developed by: The Department of Health and Social Services, Northwest Territories.
Summary: Visit the Department of Health and Social Services website for all mental health and addictions programs available to the people of the Northwest Territories. Services include but are not limited to:
Note: You can also call the 811 Help Line to speak with a healthcare provider.
Summary: Good2Talk provides free, confidential 24/7 support for post-secondary students in Nova Scotia. Good2Talk can support students through a wide range of issues that may be impacting their mental health and well-being, including depression, anxiety, substance use, academic stress, personal or family relationships, loneliness, identity, financial concerns and other challenges.
Developed by: Nova Scotia Health.
Summary: There are thousands of mental health and addictions professionals who provide support, programs, and services to Nova Scotians across the province. You’re not alone. They are here to help. Click “Go to Resource” to find services and resources available to you.
Note: If you are experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, call the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167.
Developed by: Bridge the gapp was co-designed by governmental and community partners and people with lived experience with mental illness and addictions. Originally developed in Newfoundland and Labrador, it has been recognized nationally and internationally, and has been a trusted source for resources and services since 2015.
Summary: Bridge the gapp is a new way to connect to guidance, resources and support for mental health and addictions in Newfoundland and Labrador. Bridge the gapp offers self-help resources, a Mood Meter, links to local services, and allows the user to share their own personal stories and/ or view others on the Wall of Hope. Bridge the gapp also provides free access to an award winning eight-week online self-management program, The BreathingRoom, to help students and young adults reduce their anxiety, stress and depression.
Developed by: The Mental Health and Addictions Division of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Division is responsible for providing leadership in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of provincial policies and programs related to mental health and addiction in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Summary: Click “Go to Resource” to learn more about mental health and addictions programs available in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Note: Experiencing a mental health and/or addictions crisis? Call the Helpline at 811.
Developed by: Dr. Rosemary Wilson, NP, PhD from Queen's University and Dr. Rachael Bosma, PhD from Women's College Hospital in Toronto, and co-designed with people with lived experience.
Summary: Gain control over your life and participate in the things that are important to you. This course provides you with tools to be an active participant in your pain management. Key concepts and terms coverved include:
Offered by: These workshops, developed at Stanford University, are offered throughout the province, in each of the four regional health authorities by the Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community Services.
Summary: Improving Health: My Way is a free program designed to help Newfoundland and Labradorians positively manage the daily challenges of living with a chronic condition. Workshops are co-led by trained leaders who themselves have a chronic condition or have cared for someone living with a chronic condition. Workshops consist of six sessions that are offered for 2.5 hours once a week, over a six-week period. A support person of your choice (friend or family) may accompany you to the training sessions.
Developed by: Horizon Health Network.
Summary: Click “Go to Resource” to visit the New Brunswick Horizon’s Addiction and Mental Health Services website to access a range of services and helplines for individuals, children, youth, adults of all ages and family members affected by substance misuse, harmful gambling and/or mental health issues. Services may include individual counselling, group counselling and specialized treatment programs such as detoxification, opioid replacement therapy, and short-term or long-term rehabilitation.
Summary: Bridge the gapp is a new way to connect with guidance and supports for mental health and addictions in New-Brunswick. Visit Bridge the gapp to access self-help resources, links to local services, and to share your own personal stories or view other’s stories on the wall of hope.
Note: The NB Addiction and Mental Health Helpline is just a phone call away at 1-866-355-5550.
Developed by: Klinic Community Health, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is member of the Manitoba Association of Community Health and the Canadian Association of Community Health Centres. Rooted in social justice values, they believe that everyone deserves quality care, support and respect.
Summary: Klinic Community Health provides a full range of health-related services from medical care to counselling and education. Driven by their vision of creating healthy and engaged communities, they promote health and quality of life for people of every age, background, ethnicity, gender identity, and socio-economic circumstance. Klinic Community Health offers primary health care, mental health care and community health services to enhance individual and community capacity.
Note: In crisis? Call the Klinic Crisis Line (24/7) at 1-888-322-3019.
Developed by: Shared Health – Manitoba’s Provincial Health Authority.
Summary: Shared Health Mental Health & Addictions operates inpatient, outpatient and support programs and is committed to providing accessible, responsive and inclusive services for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Using a provincially coordinated approach, the service works with partners in the community and regional health authorities to provide low-barrier, client-centered care for Manitobans that supports healthy behaviours, mental health and well-being. Click “Go to Resource” to learn more about the programs available.
Note: You can call the Addictions Helpline at 1-855-662-6605 for immediate help or HealthLinks at 1-888-315-9257 for health advice.
Developed by: The Government of British Columbia (BC).
Summary: HealthLink BC provides reliable non-emergency health information and advice in British Columbia. Information and advice are available by telephone, online, a mobile app and a collection of print resources.
Note: Call 811 for health advice at any time of the day.
Developed by: Fraser Health Services.
Summary: Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations, and is home to six Métis Chartered Communities. Click “Go to Resource” to search the directory for mental health and substance use services to find what you need.
Note: If you are in crisis, you can call the Fraser Health crisis line: 604-951-8855 or 1-877-820-7444 (toll-free).
Summary: Want to know how to feel happier, more confident and worry less right now? Would you like to learn new ways of dealing with life’s challenges? Living Life to the Full is a fun, interactive course that will leave you with the inspiration and tools to get the most out of life! This 8-week community-based course provides simple, practical skills for coping with stress, problem solving, boosting your mood, and busting bad thoughts. Living Life to the Full certified facilitators present a new topic at each weekly class, bringing the skills to life through booklets, worksheets, group activities and discussions.
Developed by: Options Community Services Society (OCS) was created by the merging of Surrey Community Services Society and OPTIONS: Services to Communities Society; allowing OCS to be even more responsive to the needs of a rapidly growing community. OCS is currently governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the diversity of the communities we serve.
Summary: Options Community Servies is a non-profit registered charity providing social services primarily in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley helping people help themselves. They collaborate with individuals, businesses, community groups and government to create focused, effective and responsive resources for the community. Resources and support include receiving assistance with finding housing, crisis support, gaining independence, finding work, community inclusion/integration, family matters, or substance use health.
Developed by: A multidisciplinary group of researchers and clinicians along with people with lived experience led by Dr. Brigitte Sabourin and Dr. Renée El-Gabalawy at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and funded by the Health Science Centre (HSC) Foundation.
Summary: The IMPACT program is based on the scientifically proven approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain. There have been over 100 randomized controlled trials supporting the many benefits of ACT for chronic pain including improved mental health, better quality of life, lower disability related to pain, higher self-efficacy and decreased fear of being active.
By completing the IMPACT program,
You may feel like this isn’t the time to reach out for help or use emergency resources, but it’s important to seek help no matter what else is going on. Emergency rooms, emergency responders, and other crisis workers are there for you no matter why you need help. Visit this site to find the help you need.
Mental Health Support Line: Call 310-6789 (no area code). This number will connect you to your local BC crisis line without a wait or busy signal, 24 hours a day. Crisis line workers are there to listen and support you as well as refer you to community resources.
Developed by: BounceBack® is provided by The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) across Canada. In British Columbia, the program is delivered to individuals across the province by the Canadian Mental Health Association - British Columbia Division.
Summary: BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. BounceBack® can help you build skills to improve your mental health.
Click “Go to Resource” to learn more or register.
Note: You can also call 1-866-639-0522 for more information and/or to get help to determine if BounceBack® is a good fit for you or someone you care about.
Developed by: Pain BC. Pain BC aims to enhance the well-being of all people living with pain through empowerment, care, education and innovation.
Summary: Pain BC’s mission includes: (a) Prevent persistent pain and intervene early to reduce its impacts; (b) Empower people who live with pain to enhance wellbeing; (c) Educate health care providers to better assess and manage pain; (d) Improve the systems that impact people in pain, communities and society; (e) Combat stigma and its negative effects; and (f) Foster research on pain and pain-related disability.
Click “Go to Resource” to learn about pain self-management programs, pain support phone line, health coaching, education, and more!
Developed by: Alberta Health Services.
Summary: The Alberta Healthy Living Program offers a number of programs and services to Albertan adults living with chronic health condition(s) and/or disease(s). Search this directory for educational and interactive programs and services available.
Note: All program participants must be physically present in Alberta during whichever service(s) they take part in; some services are only available in certain zones.
Summary: Living with a long-term (chronic) health condition can be hard. Better Choices, Better Health® is a free group workshop of 6 sessions (2.5hours each) for adults who live with or support someone with a chronic health condition.
Better Choices, Better Health® - Chronic Pain is for those with conditions like fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, persistent pain, migraines, arthritis and others. This series of workshops can help improve your confidence by learning new self-management skills and to enjoy a better quality of life.
Click “Go to Resource” to learn more about the Better Choices, Better Health®, watch an introductory video, and register for online or in-person workshops.
Summary: The Rehabilitation Advice Line (1-833-379-0563) is a telephone service open Monday to Friday and provides rehabilitation advice and general health information for Albertans of any age.
Summary: If you need health advice or information call Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811 within Alberta or visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
Summary: This site will help you get prepared to stop smoking. It’s all about finding the right information at the right time. You’ll learn what to expect and how to prepare for roadblocks on your journey to successfully quitting. Find out what stage you're at to get connected with the information and support that are best for you. You can also speak with a Quit Counsellor at 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) for advice and support on how to deal with cravings and help you stay motivated.
Summary: The Addiction and Mental Health Help Line (1-866-332-2322) is a 24-hour, 7 day a week confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing addiction and mental health concerns, including problem gambling.
Summary: The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line (1-877-303-2642) is a 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 days a year, confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.
Developed by: A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals who share a common interest in and commitment to the study, treatment and management of pain.
Summary: The Pain Society of Alberta provides education, resources and support for healthcare providers to improve patient care delivery and outcomes for people struggling with persistent pain. Click “Go to Resource” to learn more.
Developed by: The Royal thanks to a donation by D.I.F.D. The Royal is one of Canada’s foremost mental health care and academic health science centres. Its mandate is simple: to help more people living with mental illness into recovery faster.
Summary: Life as a student can be stressful - assignments, part-time jobs, sports, clubs, relationships, family responsibilities. In fact, during your years as a student, you will face some of the most intense pressures of any point in your life. Stress can take a toll on your mind, weighing you down and even making you ill, so it’s important to take action to stay healthy. That’s what HealthyMinds is all about. HealthyMinds is a problem-solving tool to help deal with emotions and cope with the stresses you encounter both on and off campus. The goal: Keeping your mind healthy.
Developed by: Psychologists and educators in Australia.
Summary: Smiling Mind is a unique tool developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life. Smiling Mind is Australia’s leading digital-led, prevention focused mental health not-for-profit. Smiling Mind has been helping minds thrive for over 10 years and are the innovators behind Australia’s most trusted mental wellbeing app. Smiling Mind’s evidence-based tools support people to learn the skills to maintain their mental health in fun and interactive ways.
Presented by: Sheena, a yoga teacher with lived experience.
Summary: Watch this 13-minute video where Sheena, a yoga teacher who suffers from fibromyalgia, shares her daily meditation for pain relief.
Presented by: Dr. David Ho, MD, PhD, a pain medicine fellow in the Division of Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Summary: In this 35-minute video, Dr. Ho speaks on mindfulness and pain and how to cultivate mindfulness. Learn the differences between meditation and mindfulness, mindful response to pain, the origin of mindfulness, how to practice mindfulness, and more.
Presented by: Dr. Fadel Zeidan, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy and the Center of Integrative Medicine’s Associate Director of Neuroscience at Wake Forest School of Medicine.
Summary: Dr. Zeidan’s research has uncovered the specific brain mechanisms involved in mindfulness meditation-based pain relief. He is currently developing meditation-based interventions to best target chronic pain. Watch this 18-minute video to learn more.
Summary: Living with pain doesn't mean we have to live without a satisfying and fulfilling sex life. We can have one. When we're willing to try new approaches, define new ways of finding enjoyment and communicate honestly about worries and needs, we'll find it's not as hard as we thought to find a way back to pleasure, fun, and fulfillment.
With this module from LivePlanBe+, learn how chronic pain affects sex and intimacy, how to communicate while in pain, and what is assertive communication and why is it important.
Summary: When we're feeling unwell, balanced food might be the last thing on our minds. It's important for us to follow trusted and credible nutrition advice provided by guidelines such as Canada's Food Guide. Check out this module from LivePlanBe+ to learn more about nutrition.
Summary: Understanding that stress is a natural response that does not automatically mean harm (much like some pain experiences) will help us face stressful events with a more positive approach. This awareness is important for someone living with pain, since a nervous system that routinely copes with pain needs all the resilience possible. Check out this module from LivePlanBe+ to learn more.
Summary: Persistent pain can contribute to life stressors, and chronic stress can worsen the pain experience. The good news is that anything that helps you manage stress can also help your pain, and anything to help with pain can also help you cope with stress. Click “Go to Resource” to learn what stress is and why people experience stress, how stress and pain are related, how to identify your stress triggers and warning signs, and how to cope with stress in healthy ways.
Summary: Healthy eating and dietary changes may be one component of your chronic pain self-management plan. Research shows that healthy nutrition has a positive effect on our health. In Canada, dietary risks are one of the three leading risk factors for disease burden. To date, there are no scientifically proven “chronic pain diets”, however healthy eating can benefit people with chronic pain in many ways. Click “Go to Resource” to learn more about healthy eating.
Summary: The Benefits Finder is a tool that can help you find benefits and services that you may be eligible to receive. It asks a few questions and uses your answers to search. It does not collect or track your information. The more questions you answer, the more customized and accurate your results will be.
Developed by: The Canadian Sleep and Circadian Network, the Canadian Sleep Society, Fondation Sommeil and Wake-up Narcolepsy Canada. Sleep On It has a mission to promote the importance of sleep to maintain good health, to demystify sleep difficulties, and to offer solutions to patients.
Summary: Learn about topics such as What is Sleep, Age-Specific Dos and Don’ts, the Why and the How of Dreams, and information on sleep disorders and more. Read special reports such as The Art and Science of Napping, and access resources such as a list of local support groups and online courses to access everything you need to better understand sleep and its importance for your health.
Developed by: The Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA). CAPSA is a national organization of subject matter experts, researchers and educators dedicated to changing approaches to Substance Use Health through training, education and consulting.
Summary: This podcast series was created to talk about substance use health - something that can be hard for many of us. Tune in if you are curious about substance use health or have questions about it. There will be difficult questions about substance use that often don’t have easy answers. CAPSA’s aim is not to be confrontational, but also not to shy away from controversial ideas. Be open to hearing them on their podcast!
Summary: In pain management, opioids are medications that work by blocking pain signals in your brain and spinal cord. Most effective when prescribed to manage acute pain, opioids are sometimes used along with other therapies as part of a chronic pain treatment plan. Safe doses of opioids should only be used in chronic pain patients if they allow the patient to improve function and achieve practical goals. Visit this webpage to learn more about opioids including how to start a trial, managing your opioids, or decreasing your usage.
Note: Opioids do not cure chronic pain and they come with some serious risks. Opioids should not be relied on as an important treatment for chronic pain as there is not a lot of scientific literature that supports the use of opioids for chronic pain. It is important to work with your health care provider to ensure you are using your opioids safely and effectively.
Developed by: The clinical and research team at Michael G. DeGroote Pain Clinic at Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton, Ontario and pain clinic partners across Canada.
Summary: Using Cannabis to Treat Chronic Pain is an online course with the primary goal is to provide you with an understanding of how cannabis works in your body as well as the benefits and risks associated with using. This course has been developed with a group of medical professionals to support people just like you. Topics covered includes:
Developed by: The helpline is operated by Donna Cona, an Indigenous organization, and funded by the Government of Canada.
Summary: The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both telephone and online chat services are available in English and French. Telephone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) and Inuktitut.
Developed by: The Aboriginal Children’s Hurt and Healing (ACHH) Initiative – a broad partnership, consisting of Indigenous community leaders, clinicians, Elders, youth, researchers from Dalhousie University, IWK Health and many more.
Summary: Indigenous children and families are often misunderstood and mistreated by health care professionals – an issue at the heart of the ACHH Initiative. The ACHH Initiative is working with communities and clinicians to bridge the gap in our understanding of Indigenous children’s pain and hurt. Through research and strong community and clinician partnerships we are working to bridge the gap in our understanding of Indigenous children’s pain and hurt and ultimately, improve healthcare experiences.
Developed by: The Health Information Research Unit at McMaster University as a Knowledge Translation initiative of the Chronic Pain Network.
Summary: Updated regularly, PAIN+ CPN provides access to current best evidence from health care research to help inform health care professionals, individuals living with pain and caregivers. All citations are rated by both health care professionals and patients living with chronic pain, to determine clinical relevance and general interest.
Note: Check out the Evidence Summaries section where the latest in pain research is translated into easy-to-understand short abstracts.
Summary: In this video Dr. Andrea Furlan will demonstrate how to dance bolero, which is a slow-tempo music style originated from Spain. The dance has 4 groups of 8 steps each.
Note: You can print the 32 steps from this document: https://bit.ly/DanceBolero
Presented by: Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists at the Brain and Spinal Cord Rehab Program at Toronto Rehab, University Health Network.
Summary: Health professionals share some of their self-management resources with the world. If you have pain, mobility issues, or simply wish to explore being kinder to yourself through gentle movement and relaxation, then this channel is for you!
Presented by: Pain BC. Pain BC aims to enhance the well-being of all people living with pain through empowerment, care, education and innovation.
Summary: Looking for guidance on gentle movement and relaxation for managing pain? Watch Gentle Movement @ Home series by Pain BC. These 1-hour video sessions are led by physiotherapists and other therapeutic movement professionals and are designed to help people with persistent pain learn to feel safe to move again. Topics include breath awareness and regulation, body tension regulation, and movement and relaxation techniques in both seated and standing positions.
Summary: Do you need a reason to walk? In this 11-minute video, Dr. Andrea Furlan will give you 15 reasons to go for a walk outdoors. She will talk about the importance of walking and the benefits of doing it outdoors.
Presented by: painHEALTH and people living with pain. PainHEALTH is an initiaive from the Government of Western Australia, Department of Health aiming to ease musculoskeletal pain through clinically supported information, tips, support and personal stories to help people better understand and co-manage their musculoskeletal pain conditions.
Summary: This video reviews the importance of remaining active while living with pain and offers ideas for increasing your physical activity such as walking with a friend or family member.
Summary: In this module you will find:
Note: While great care has been taken to ensure that these exercises and advice are prepared in a way that is safe and practical for most people, none of these exercises should be considered specific medical advice.
Summary: Activity pacing is an important tool in chronic pain self-management. It is easy to find ourselves in an “all or nothing” cycle when living with chronic pain. Learning to manage your activity by scheduling planned rest periods/breaks can improve your energy and pain levels. Pacing is “an active self-management strategy where you learn to balance time spent on activity and rest for the purpose of achieving increased function and participation in meaningful activities.”
In this module, you will learn about:
Summary: When living with chronic pain it can be easy to stop participating in activity and exercise. Inactivity causes us to gradually lose strength and flexibility. We then find ourselves out of the habit of exercising, which ultimately causes pain levels to increase.
Developed by: Self-Management Ontario and the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI).
Summary: Join this six-week online program led by peers that focuses on pain self-management. Over the six weeks different topics will be covered that relate to chronic pain, including:
Sessions are approached using principles of self-management, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. Participation is interactive during sessions, and self-reflective activities will be provided to complete between sessions.
Summary: We know your pain is real. The Pain Support Line offers free information, emotional support and resource assistance to empower people living with pain and their loved ones to improve well-being and advocate for themselves. Connect one-on-one with a trained staff member by email or phone.
Summary: Groups are free to access and meet online twice a month. Each two-hour session will allow you to share your experiences, discuss self-management skills and take part in gentle movements as a group.
Note: Pain Support and Wellness Groups are for BC residents only.
Developed by: People in Pain Network, a registered non-profit charity originating in Nova Scotia. The People in Pain Network are people with persistent pain helping other people with persistent pain improve the quality of their lives by providing them with a greater understanding of the pain they are feeling, how to successfully manage their pain through self-management, education on why we feel pain and how our pain is designed to assist us break the cycle of isolation and hopelessness so often associated with persistent pain.
Summary: The People in Pain Network Virtual Pain Support Group is a safe place for individuals to talk to about their pain with others who understand. Discover the support you need to construct and lead a resilient team, acquire and apply self-management skills, reintroduce meaning and purpose into your life, and, most importantly, regain the confidence to establish your own "new normal”.
Developed by: Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA). CAPSA believes in multiple pathways to increased health including peer support groups and developing your individual substance use health goals.
Summary: This peer-facilitated group offers a few simple practices and tools designed to help those who are questioning their relationship with substances by:
Summary: Sleeping is as necessary to survival as breathing, eating, and drinking. People can cope without sleep for a short period of time, however long-term sleep deprivation can have many negative consequences on the brain and body. By completing this educational module from the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute, you will learn about the benefits of sleep, its connection to pain, developing healthy sleeping habits, and sleep medications.
Developed by: Drs. David Gardner and Andrea Murphy from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and contributed to by psychologists, psychiatrists, family doctors, pharmacists, people who live with insomnia, researchers, and sleep experts to make sure that our recommendations and content are accurate and practical.
Summary: Sleepwell has two main goals: 1) to help people with insomnia get their sleep back without medications; and 2) to help people stop taking sleeping pills safely and effectively. Sleepwell recommends CBTi (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia) because it has excellent evidence that it works. The challenge for many is getting access to CBTi. This is where Sleepwell comes in. The website includes a highly scrutinized short list of recommended CBTi resources to help get you started without delay. Their recommendations take a self-help approach to CBTi rather than requiring that a therapist be involved, which is also a great option but not available to most people.
Summary: Sleep can improve our ability to think, learn, and remember things. It supports our immune system and appetite. Research suggests that good sleep helps us with our daily activities at home and work, making us more efficient and productive. For many of us with chronic pain, getting a good night’s sleep can be a challenge. We may find it difficult to fall asleep or we may wake up often throughout the night. Even if we get the right amount of sleep, we can still feel tired in the morning if our sleep quality is poor.
Note: You will need to create an account on LivePlanBe+ to access the modules.
Developed by: The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans.
Summary: This podcast covers all aspects of chronic pain by presenting evidence-based information that provides better insight into chronic pain. Recent Government of Canada research found that Veterans are twice as likely to suffer from chronic pain compared to others in the Canadian population. We aim to investigate how this impacts Veterans, and their families. We explore topics such cannabis and psychedelics, and do they help treat chronic pain? We also investigate back surgery, military identity and what military and professional athletes have in common with identity. The evidence-based information on the show will help Veterans, clinicians, researchers, and anyone suffering from chronic pain. It is a 360-degree approach to education on chronic pain.
Tune in to Pain BC's Pain Waves podcast to hear leading chronic pain experts and people in pain discuss the latest pain management research, stories, tools, and trends. Episodes are released once per month and can be accessed through iTunes and Spreaker. Pain BC is a registered health charity that has been leading efforts to improve the lives of people in pain through empowerment, care, education and innovation. Learn more at painbc.ca.
Developed by: Dr. Maureen Allen, BN CCFP-EM(PC) FCFP. Dr. Maureen Allen is an Emergency Department Physician practicing in rural Nova Scotia. She’s been a health care professional for 36 years. She is actively involved in continuing education programs and provides clinical support to rural Nova Scotians living with chronic pain, substance use disorders and end-of-life.
Summary: Have you ever wished you could pick the brain of your local pain expert, if you had one, or find the right word or phrase that can shift the mindset of someone living with persistent pain that can improve their function and quality of life? Pain Talk is a podcast dedicated to bringing together experts who study and support individuals living with pain. It is a platform where scientists, health care providers and individuals living with pain can talk pain—pain and simple.
Presented by: George Zaidan, animated by Augenblick Studios. George Zaidan is a science communicator, television and web host, and producer.
Summary: In this 4-minute video, learn about the basic physiology of how humans experience pain, and the mechanics of the medicines we've invented to block or circumvent that discomfort.
Presented by: Dr. Lorimer Moseley, Foundation Chair in Physiotherapy and Professor of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of South Australia, and Senior Principal Research Fellow at Neuroscience Research Australia
Summary: There have been some amazing pain discoveries over the last 20 years, and they've opened new opportunities for people in pain. This talk will explain that when pain persists, your body learns pain and becomes over protected, but you can use proven strategies to slowly retrain your pain system to be less protective. To begin, you need to rethink what pain actually is, what factors contribute to your pain and how you can tailor it to make your own retraining program.
Summary: LivePlanBe+ offers 23 educational modules on key elements of chronic pain management.
Presented by: Dr. Joshua Pate, PhD MRes MPhysio, directed by Artrake Studio. Dr. Pate is a pain scientist, children's book author, clinician and educator from Sydney, Australia.
Summary: In 1995, the British Medical Journal published a report about a builder who accidentally jumped onto a nail, which pierced straight through his steel-toed boot. He was in such agonizing pain that any movement was unbearable. But when the doctors took off his boot, they discovered that the nail had never touched his foot at all. What’s going on? Joshua W. Pate investigates the experience of pain.
Presented by: Dr. Lorimer Moseley, Foundation Chair in Physiotherapy and Professor of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of South Australia, and Senior Principal Research Fellow at Neuroscience Research Australia.
Summary: Pain scientists are starting to think differently about persistent (chronic) pain and its causes, and they're making exciting discoveries - like how you think about your pain can change the way it feels. In this 5-minute video, Dr. Moseley explains how pain works and describes new approaches to help reduce your pain.
Presented by: Dr. Marwa Azab, PhD, an adjunct professor of psychology and human development at California State University, Long Beach.
Summary: Watch this 17-minute video to better understand the neuroscience of pain, both physical and emotional, and how pain might make us stronger.
Presented by: Linda Geddes, Guardian Science Correspondent with The Guardian Australia.
Summary: Sufferers of chronic pain have long been told it's all in their head. We now know that's not true. This series looks at why doctors are playing catch-up on chronic pain conditions like endometriosis, migraine and more – and what they have to do with Covid. For years people with conditions such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, chronic fatigue or back pain – to name just a few – have been told the pain is all in their head. With no obvious physical symptoms, nociplastic pain can be difficult to diagnose but its effects are very, very real. Research suggests that the immune system plays a role in nociplastic pain, giving people 'feel bad' symptoms including fatigue, anxiety and nausea.
Summary: TAPMI presents 20 educational modules on key elements of chronic pain management to help you: