Mental & Physical Health

Mental Health & Wellness

Mental health affects how we think, feel, connect with others, and navigate daily life. People with Down syndrome have an increased likelihood of experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges - and caregivers are not immune either.

Helpful resources:

• CDSS Mental Health & Wellness Hub - Articles, videos, and tools for individuals, families, and caregivers, including caregiver self-care resources.
• DSRF Mental Wellness - Videos, podcast episodes, and practical guidance on emotional wellbeing and Down syndrome.

Always speak with your primary care provider first - they can help with screening, referrals, and personalized guidance.

Physical Health

People with Down syndrome may have specific medical needs across their lifespan, from childhood through aging. Staying informed helps families and caregivers advocate confidently in medical settings.

Helpful resources:

DSRF Health & Medical - Information on common health conditions, medical guidelines, and health management across the lifespan.

In a Crisis?

Dial 2-1-1 (Canada) to connect with local mental health and community support services - free, confidential, and available 24/7 in over 150 languages.

Manitoba-Specific Mental Health Resources

Community Living Psychiatry Service (CLPS)

The Community Living Psychiatry Service was developed through collaboration between the Department of Families and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, making mental health services more available to adults living with an intellectual disability. Referrals can be made through Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS).

Learn More at Manitoba.ca

Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS)

Community Living disABILITY Services supports eligible adults with intellectual disabilities in Manitoba to live good and satisfying lives in their communities. CLDS offers an array of services including residential services, day services, supports to people living at home with family, clinical services, and crisis intervention. CLDS can also connect families with therapy services and short-term crisis intervention supports when needed.

Visit CLDS

Abilities Manitoba - Mental Health Leading Practice Guidelines

Abilities Manitoba acknowledges that people with an intellectual disability are much more likely than other members of the population to experience depression, anxiety and other mental illness, and that despite this, signs of mental illness are often missed. They provide leading practice guidelines for organizations supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, including guidance on mental health assessment and treatment.

Visit Abilities Manitoba

Klinic Crisis Line

Free, confidential crisis counselling available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - open to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Phone: 204-786-8686 (Winnipeg)
Toll-Free: 1-888-322-3019
TTY: 204-784-4097
Visit Klinic

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

9-8-8 is a national helpline for anyone across Canada who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English and French.

Call or text 9-8-8 (toll-free, 24/7)

Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line

Available 24/7 to anyone in Manitoba experiencing a mental health crisis.

Phone: 1-877-435-7170

Mental Health Crisis Response Centre (Winnipeg)

A 24/7 walk-in crisis centre in Winnipeg for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

Address: 817 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba

Offers support, education, and resources for individuals living with mood disorders including depression and anxiety, as well as their families and caregivers.

Phone: 1-800-263-1460
Visit the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba

Provides support and information for individuals and families dealing with anxiety disorders.

Phone: 1-800-805-8885

211 Manitoba

211 Manitoba is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects individuals to government, health, and social services available across the province. Call 2-1-1 to be connected with mental health supports, community resources, and referral services in your area.

Dial 2-1-1 (24/7, available in 150+ languages)
Visit 211 Manitoba

Health & Medical Resources

Staying on top of your loved one's physical health is closely connected to their mental health and overall well-being. The following resources can help guide proactive healthcare planning for individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan.

The LowDOWN Podcast - Health & Medical Episodes (DSRF)

The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation's podcast features several episodes dedicated to health and medical topics for individuals with Down syndrome:

• Episode 1-3: Optimizing Physical and Mental Health for Adults with Down Syndrome
• Episode 2-6: Healthy Start - Healthcare for Children with Down Syndrome
• Episode 6-5: Growing Up Healthy - Pediatric Healthcare for Children and Adolescents
• Episode 7-1: Be Well - Health Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome
• Episode 7-9: Cutting Through the Red Tape - Medical Advocacy for Down Syndrome Families

DSRF Physician Letter

A letter from Dr. George Capone to medical professionals highlighting health issues common to people with Down syndrome and directing them to key Down syndrome health resources - a helpful tool to share with your loved one's healthcare team.

Access the Physician Letter

Down Syndrome Clinic 2 You

Very few families who have loved ones with Down syndrome live in an area where they can visit a Down syndrome specialty program like the one at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. We know that most hardworking primary care physicians have only one or two patients with Down syndrome in their practice, so it is both unreasonable and impractical to expect them to stay current on all of the healthcare recommendations for this unique population.

Down Syndrome Clinic to You (DSC2U) brings the best of health and wellness information about Down syndrome to caregivers and primary care physicians around the globe. DSC2U believes that location and personal finances should never prevent someone from accessing the best and most timely medical information for a loved one with Down syndrome.

Visit DSC2U