The Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), National Health and Safety Officer, Barry Touzin, has shared some information on supporting mental health during the holidays.
This time of the year can be challenging for people going through difficult times, it is harder for them to reach out for help.
They don’t want to burden peoples lives with their problems.
Many times the people struggling with mental health will not seek help during the holidays.
If family and friends have isolated themselves from events or gatherings or are not acting like themselves, it is important to check in with them.
A simple thing like a phone call and invitation for coffee or just listening can make all the difference. – Barry Touzin
If you need to talk with someone, reach out to others or support systems that are available 24 hours a day.
In an emergency situation, for yourself or others (including self-harm), contact 911, go to your local emergency room, call 1-800- suicide (1-800-784-2433) to seek help right away. (see https://cmha.bc.ca/mental-health/find-help/ for some support on the signs of emergency situations).
Here are some resources available to you:
For all Ages:
Call Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 (no area code needed). It is open 24/7 and will connect you with your Local BC Crisis line without a wait or busy signal. They will have crisis workers to listen and support you as well as to refer you to community resources. You can also contact the Crisis Centre Chat at www.crisiscentrechat.ca to be connected with a crisis responder via chat during open hours.
For Youth 20 and under:
Call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or visit www.kidshelpphone.ca 24/7 and is free, anonymous and confidential. You can also contact Youth in BC at www.youthinbc.com to chat online with a crisis responder during open hours.
For Seniors and older Adults:
Call the Seniors’ Distress Line at 604-872-1234 which is available 24/7. (Please reach out if you are concerned about a senior or older adult).
For People who use substances:
Call the Alcohol & Drug Information Referral Service at 1-800-663-1441 (604-660-9382 in the Lower Mainland) for further information.
For further details and addition resources please visit https://cmha.bc.ca/mental-health/find-help/ (reference).
