The holidays can be a fun and joyful time for families, but they can also add to stress levels, affect depression and be challenging for people with mental health or substance use issues.
Even for children and youth, the break from regular schedules and hubbub around gifts, family time, staying up late and excitement about a visit from Santa can also lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness and even loneliness over the holidays. There are a variety of mental health and substance use services and supports available throughout the province for adults, youth and children. These supports offer easy access to caring, professional help.
Adults struggling with depression or anxiety can feel overwhelmed with family gatherings, buying gifts and making sure their children’s holiday is special and memorable. Supports for adults include:
Mental Health and Substance Use Information: Heretohelp.bc.ca
Substance Use Services: Phone toll-free: 1 866-658-1221.
The Alcohol & Drug Information and Referral Service: Phone toll-free: 1-800-663-1441.
HealthLink BC: www.healthlinkbc.ca
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).