Mental health tips to help as colder, darker days overlap with COVID-19 pandemic

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — It’s the first weekend of fall, and with colder darker days ahead, as well as month 18 of the pandemic, your mental health could be taking a hit.

Pamela Findling with the Canadian Mental Health Association says if you’re feeling down over the next couple of months, you’re not alone.

She says taking care of yourself this fall and winter will be important– including eating well, exercising, getting in enough sleep, and getting outside when you can.

“We all feel stressed and anxious, and depressed sometimes, and it’s okay to feel those feelings. It can be your body’s way of telling you you need to pay attention.”

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However, Findling warns the challenge can start when you feel overwhelmed or you’ve been feeling down for a while.

“If you are feeling overwhelmed, or even if you’re just having a bad day, talking helps. So you can talk to your family, your friends, a doctor, counselor, and the crisis clients are there, you’re never alone. There’s always someone you can reach out to.”

Or reach out to others around you because that can often give you a sense of community.

 

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But another important tip is taking a break.

“I’m guilty of this, just kind of scrolling through my Twitter feed, and sometimes that social media beat can get us into a bit of a loop. So just take breaks from social media, get outside, get some fresh air, do something that you find relaxing, and that can really help as well.”

Last year during the pandemic, British Columbians may have found themselves disconnected and lacking enough social interactions. But this year, as restrictions over the past few months have lifted, Findling suggests socializing in small groups again.

“That’s something that we didn’t necessarily have this time last year. And that ability to connect with others is really, really crucial for mental health.”

Take out time to identify what you are grateful for and show appreciation. but Findling adds she understands how being appreciative can be hard right now, especially when it feels like the pandemic is going-on-and-on.

If you find yourself in that cycle or need more tips to cope during this time visit cmha.bc.ca.

If you or someone you know needs help immediately, call 9-1-1 or the B.C. Crisis Centre at 1.800.784.2433, where help is available 24/7. You can alternatively call Crisis Services Canada at 833.456.4566 for help 24/7 or text 45645 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT in English and French.

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