Mental Health Tips for the Holidays
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 52 per cent of Canadians report feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation during the holidays.
This year is another challenging one, with stricter restrictions being implemented and a new variant disrupting plans to gather with friends and family.
Pamela Findling, Senior Manager, Communications at CMHA BC Division, joined CTV Morning Live with tips to get through the holidays.
There are several options for those in an emergency situation.
- For those that need help right away, they can call 911.
- Residents of Vancouver can also go to the Access and Assessment Centre at Vancouver General Hospital from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) is available any time day or night.
Mental Health support is available 24 hours a day on the BC Crisis Line.
Simply dial 310-6789 with no area code and you will be connected to a crisis line worker who is there to listen and support.
They have the ability to refer you to community resources.
For those that prefer assistance digitally, the crisis centre chat is available from noon to 1 a.m. every day at crisiscentrechat.ca.
Findling had some general tips to share to help get through the holidays:
- Take care of physical health. This can be done by consuming a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and making time for physical exercise.
- Create space for relaxation. This can take on many forms depending on the individual. Brisk walks, connecting with nature, or a soak in a bath may help.
- Take stock of your emotions. With so much going on in the world it is understandable to be more emotional this holiday season. Take time to process and address these emotions. Journaling, online support groups, and talking to loved ones can help.
- Avoid doomscrolling and overingesting bad news. It is important to keep informed, but too much consumption can lead to feelings of depression, despair, and anxiety.
The resources and services the Canadian Mental Health Association provides would not be possible without generous donors.
Centra Windows has always believed in supporting the community that supports them.
They donated $95,000 this year to the CMHA BC Division.
Check out the full video from CTV Morning Live to learn more about how to cope over the holiday season.
Plus, learn how you can support the Canadian Mental Health Association and the services they provide.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.