New online peer support and self-management tool free in Ontario

Big White Wall is a free online peer support and self-management tool for adults and youth 16+ experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety. The service is coordinated by the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), and paid for by the Government of Ontario for people living in Ontario. Clients can self-refer and no clinician referral is required.

Big White Wall helps clients manage their own mental health. It is available around the clock, which means clients can access it immediately and at a time when other services are less likely to be available. In fact, 66% of logins to Big White Wall are after regular office hours.

With Big White Wall, users can talk anonymously with other members of the community who are feeling the same way they are. Big White Wall is staffed by trained Wall Guides who make sure that the community is safe and supportive and remains anonymous.

Clients also have access to online guided support courses that they can take with others experiencing similar problems. They can take as many courses as they like, on a variety of topics, including: depression, anxiety, weight management, and smoking cessation.

And finally, for those looking for ways to express themselves through art therapy, Big White Wall provides an opportunity to display their feelings using images, drawings, and words to make bricks that are posted to the Wall.  For more information and to self-refer, visit bigwhitewall.ca.