(File photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Community support

Mental health support available during holiday season

Dec 20, 2021 | 4:58 PM

The Christmas season can be a stressful time for many but help is available for those in need.

Executive director Kim Morrison said anyone seeking support can reach out to the Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords Inc. (Battlefords CFS).

“Definitely the holidays are often a time where mental health is affected,” she said. “There is extra stress. There could be financial stress, and sometimes family pressures. We’re definitely seeing those same things right now.”

She added in 2021 there are added pressures related to the pandemic impacting people’s lives. Many people are unsure of how to stay safe and keep themselves healthy, so they may be trying to decide whether or not to get together with their families.

Morrison recommends people struggling with their mental health to look for ways to take a break.

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“The main advice we give is to be gentle with yourself,” she said. “Try to really think about what are the pieces of the holidays that do bring you some joy. Keep it a little bit simpler if you can. Sometimes we do a lot of things that we are just used to doing that maybe if they are missing won’t actually change the holidays that much.”

The Battlefords CFS will be open until Dec. 24 at noon. It will be closed through Christmas and will then reopen on Jan. 4.

People who need counselling appointments can book online at counsellingconnectsask.ca.

“Right now the services are primarily virtual, by telephone or Zoom meetings,” Morrison said. “Unless there is a safety concern, then we can arrange an in-person appointment.”

If counsellors in North Battleford are already booked up, people can also make an appointment to speak to a counsellor at another location in Saskatchewan as another option.

Morrison added there are a number of services available in the community. People can call 811 for mental health support, or call 211 for provincial services, including a crisis hotline.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Battlefords’ Branch executive director Jane Zielke de Montbrun recommends people who are feeling sad or anxious around this time of the year look for ways to find a sense of peace.

“It’s a tough time for lots of people during the holiday season for lots of different reasons,” she said. “Sometimes we have reminders of people we love that have passed away. Christmas time is a reminder of that, even though it’s supposed to be a happy celebration.”

Zielke de Montbrun encourages people to get some exercise, go outside and breathe in the fresh air to relax.

Mindfulness exercises are another way people can use some time to calm their thoughts.

“Spend five minutes with your eyes closed, and count your breaths. You’ll be surprised how better you feel after that,” she said.

If anyone is struggling and needs help they should reach out to a close friend or relative, or a healthcare professional for support.

“If you are in a crisis situation, of course call 911,” Zielke de Montbrun said. “So you can get immediate help for whatever is going on with you.”

People can also call the Mental Health Centre at Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH), or go to the hospital’s Emergency Department.

“The services are there throughout the holidays for people who are having mental health problems,” Zielke de Montbrun said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow