By battlefordsNOW

Mental health resources available for holiday stress

Dec 28, 2018 | 6:00 PM

Local residents struggling with post holiday blues should try to find ways to help them feel better and regain their equilibrium. If their issues are more serious and they are at risk, they should seek help from a mental health professional, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s North Battleford branch representative.

Executive Director Jane Zielke de Montbrun said it’s not unusual for individuals to find they have more challenges when the holiday season is over.

“Sometimes people can experience stress and anxiety once Christmas is over because it’s such a busy time of year,” she said. “We have families that surround us, parties that we are going to, and after that is all finished and done sometimes we have some financial stress.”  

Zielke de Montbrun said oftentimes people will feel the post holiday blues, but there are ways to feel better.

She recommends people try to take some quiet time alone for themselves, perhaps listen to music that might make them feel happier or more energized, and even treat themselves to something like a massage to reduce their stress. They may also want to simply read a book or go for a walk to decompress.   

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“Exercise is always good for all of us,” Zielke de Montbrun said, adding it’s especially helpful for people’s mental health.

It’s also important to eat well and follow a nutritious meal plan, an integral part in achieving overall wellbeing.

The local expert said people should limit their alcohol and caffeine intake, which can make individuals feel more anxious. They should also try to get more sleep.

And, if individuals are dealing with depression after the holidays they can call 811 and speak to a mental health worker.

“If they are experiencing quite a bit of distress they can also call the Battlefords Mental Health Centre,” Zielke de Montbrun said. 

She advises individuals who are feeling as though they are in a crisis state that they should go to the local hospital’s emergency department, and advise the person receiving them at the admissions desk that “they are in a crisis situation and they need to see somebody.”

“They’ll be able to see a mental health professional right away,” Zielke de Montbrun added. 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW