The holidays can be a difficult period for many people, even at the best of times. And these are not the best of times.
Local mental health response agencies are staffing up to help folks copes with feelings of sadness, depression, stress and loneliness at a time when those struggles tend to be compounded.
The Canadian Mental Health Association’s North Shore branch’s Peer Assisted Care Team, will be offering outreach services from 6 p.m. until midnight on Dec. 23, 24, 25 and 26. CMHA launched PACT last month, a first-of-its-kind civilian response team intended to provide crisis support without requiring unnecessary police presence.
PACT is available to anyone on the North Shore over the age of 13 by calling 1-888-261-7228 or texting 778-839-1831.
The province’s 310Mental Health line, which offers emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health, can be reached 310-6789.
To help lighten the load on our mental health, CMHA recommends keeping to the basics, with good sleep, fresh air and light, exercise and nature. They also advise taking time to acknowledge your emotions, and be flexible and creative with how you pass the time and reach out to others.
“Be kind to yourself,” their guidelines state. “Try not to romanticize your typical holiday plans or feel pressure to participate in typical holiday customs that aren’t for you.”
