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Mental Health Supports
Living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) can bring emotional challenges alongside physical ones. Feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, grief, isolation, and adjustment are not only common — they are deeply human responses to chronic illness.
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At PHA Canada, we believe mental health is part of whole-person care. Whether you are living with PH, caring for someone who is, or navigating life post-transplant, support is available.
Virtual Mental Health Support Groups (BC & Ontario)
Professionally facilitated virtual mental health sessions are available for PH patients and caregivers in British Columbia and Ontario.​
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Led by Joanne Schwartz, MSW RSW, these Zoom-based sessions create a compassionate and confidential space to talk about the emotional realities of living with PH. Conversations may explore coping with chronic illness, managing anxiety and uncertainty, navigating grief (including anticipatory grief), and building resilience over time.
These sessions are designed to support emotional wellness while connecting you with others who understand the PH journey.
Fernweh Wellness
We are pleased to share a new mental health support option through Fernweh Wellness.
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This offering provides PH community members with access to wellness services focused on emotional resilience, stress management, and whole-person support. With a compassionate and trauma-informed approach, Fernweh Wellness recognizes that chronic illness impacts both body and mind, and offers guidance tailored to those navigating complex health journeys.
Rare Disease Foundation Mental Health & Wellness Program
The Rare Disease Foundation, in partnership with REACH Trauma Response Consulting and BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, connects rare disease families from across Canada with specially trained mental health providers for individual online counselling sessions at a significantly reduced rate. Youth counselling is kindly supported by the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.
Mental Health Resources
Understanding the emotional impact of pulmonary hypertension can help normalize what you’re experiencing. These resources offer practical information and strategies to help patients and caregivers manage stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and other mental health challenges that can come with living with a chronic illness.
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Educational Videos
We’ve curated a small collection of video resources that explore themes such as living with chronic illness, managing anxiety, processing grief, and supporting caregivers. These videos can be watched at your own pace and may offer reassurance, validation, or new coping strategies.