December 12, 2023
“The holidays and the winter season can be a challenging time for many,” notes Irnes Zeljkovic, Clinical Navigator, Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis (PEPP) at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). “It can be lonely, isolating or overwhelming. But there are ways to help mitigate burn out during this time of year.”
Whether you have holiday celebrations this season or not, there are some tips to keep in mind that can help maintain mental wellness during stressful, lonely or difficult times.
“We’re entering a difficult time of year in general where it’s dark when you go to work and dark when you leave, and it’s getting cold,” Zeljkovic says. “You might start your day feeling low, or with low energy. It’s important to increase routine activity and reduce isolation to help increase those energy levels.”
Five components for wellness
“Wellness is about nurturing the mind, body and environment,” notes Zeljkovic.
There are five components Zeljkovic suggests when discussing possible strategies to help take care of your mental wellness during the holiday season (and through any season):
- Stay physically active – Moving your body, even going for a walk, is a vital component to mental wellness. Getting active can help boost your mood, relieve stress and bring you into the present moment.
- Make time for pleasurable activities – The house can always be cleaner, but it’s important to balance fun activities with chores and errands. Experiencing joy is crucial to avoiding burn out.
- Spend time with supportive people – If you have a support system, it’s important to spend quality time with those individuals who provide that positive boost in mood. Some may not have a support system, and it is often encouraged that those individuals join a supportive group or try a new activity where you can meet new people with something in common.
- Practice relaxation – Practice putting away your phone or device and focus on your breathing and being in the present moment. Simply being present and not thinking about what may need to be done can help you slow down, breathe and re-centre before moving on with the rest of your day.
- Set simple goals – It helps to both avoid burn out and increase energy levels to have something to look forward to or work towards. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution, or a longer-term goal, it can be helpful to set attainable goals and make small steps towards those goals over time.
Accessing LHSC’s mental health supports
LHSC offers mental health supports for all ages, which can be accessed through a referral from a primary care physician.
The Adult Mental Health Care Program offers a variety of outpatient group programs for individuals ages 18 and over, including a geriatric component that supports seniors over age 65. Patients are able to access care after being referred,and are matched with the most appropriate type of care provider based on specific needs.
The Child & Adolescent Care Program delivers services to those under the age of 18 through a comprehensive team that includes child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, child family therapists, child and youth counselors, and dieticians.
Related community resources include:
- Suicide Crisis Helpline (across Canada): 988
- Indigenous Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
- CMHA Reach Out Crisis Line: 1-866-933-2023
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate support, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.