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Manitoba Government shares support resources for the holiday season
Being mindful that family members, friends and neighbours may be struggling, and checking in with them, can reduce feelings of isolation and make a significant difference, noted Guillemard. (Pexels photo)
As the holiday season has begun, the Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to pay attention to their mental health and check on family, friends and neighbours during these challenging times, Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard said today.
“The holidays are a joyous time but can also be difficult for some, depending on what is happening in their lives. This year, following prolonged pandemic-related periods of isolation, change and loss, many individuals may feel additional pressure to have a normal holiday season, which can amplify feelings of sadness, anxiety and exhaustion,” said Guillemard. “It’s important for Manitobans to proactively take care of their own mental health and also reach out to those they care about, to ensure they have access to the supports they need.”
The minister highlighted some of the ways individuals can help manage holiday stress:
- pacing themselves;
- understanding triggers;
- managing expectations;
- practising self-care;
- using positive coping strategies;
- engaging in rewarding activities;
- staying active, eating well and getting enough sleep; and
- maintaining usual routines, as possible.
Being mindful that family members, friends and neighbours may be struggling, and checking in with them, can reduce feelings of isolation and make a significant difference, noted Guillemard.
The following supports are available to anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or who needs information and support:
Klinic Community Health Crisis Line
- 204-786-8686 or (toll-free) 1-888-322-3019
- TTY: 204-784-4097
Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line
- 204-786-8631 or (toll-free) 1-888-292-7565
- TTY: 204-784-4097
Manitoba Farm, Rural and Northern Support Services
- (toll-free) 1-866-367-3276
- online counselling at http://supportline.ca
Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line
- (toll-free) 1-877-435-7170
Kids Help Phone
- (toll-free)1-800-668-6868
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
- (toll-free) 1‑855‑242-3310
Strongest Families Institute
- Manitobans can refer themselves to the ICAN (Conquer Anxiety and Nervousness) program online at https://login.strongestfamilies.com/signup/btg-ican/ or by calling 1-866-470-7111. For child, youth and family services, referrals can be made by each regional health authority and any primary care provider.
Wellness Together Canada
- 1-888-768-2488
- https://wellnesstogether.ca
The Mental Health and Wellness Resource Finder also provides a number of mental health, wellness and addictions supports and resources for individuals. For more information, visit: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/services/mental-health/mental-health-and-wellness-resource-finder/.
For an expanded list of regional crisis lines, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/mh/mh/crisis.html.
For more information on mental health and addictions services in Manitoba, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mh/.
