A provincial online program designed to help Manitobans deal with anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is now up and running.

The cognitive behavioural therapy program is a free and confidential virtual-therapy platform that is available to Manitobans who are dealing with the stress generated by the pandemic.

“We recognize many Manitobans are living with anxiety and stress posed by this pandemic,” said Pallister. “Our government is committed to helping Manitobans navigate this challenging and unprecedented time. You are not alone, we will get through this together.”

The province announced several weeks ago that it was investing over 4.5 million dollars in the online therapy program. Since that time, over 800 Manitobans have pre-registered and nearly 600 individuals are actively receiving help and counselling.

The program is guided by professional therapists and addresses mild to moderate anxiety symptoms related to the uniquely challenging aspects of pandemics:

  • uncertainty
  • physical isolation
  • caring for family and community members
  • information overload
  • stress management

The program will help people:

  • learn what anxiety is and how it affects their emotions, mind, body and behaviour
  • reduce anxiety by learning cognitive behavioural-therapy skills and using them to change responses to triggers
  • develop coping strategies to track and reduce anxiety and better manage daily activities

The AbilitiCBT program can be accessed at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.