Province reminds Albertans to exercise self care for mental health strength over the holidays

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 24, 2024.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

While the holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, Recovery Alberta and Alberta Health Services wish to extend a hand for those who may be instead experiencing stress, sadness or isolation.

For many, says Recovery Alberta, the holidays can be especially difficult when dealing with addiction, mental health challenges, or the grief of losing a loved one. To that end, they have shared a couple of tips to safeguard mental wellness during the Holiday Season.

“Whether you are facing addiction, emotional or mental health challenges, seeking support from friends, family or a mental health professional is essential,” said Recovery Alberta. “Don’t hesitate to talk about what you’re going through and ask for help when you need it.”

Residents are urged to exercise self-care by taking the time for activities that are grounding to relax, such as journaling, walking, or simply resting and enjoying a small moment of rest in an otherwise hectic time of year.

Recovery Alberta stresses that stepping away from holiday activities or events that feel overwhelming, or only focusing on what feels most important and manageable is essential, and that it’s important to set boundaries. This can also be applied to the use of substances, as the holidays can sometimes encourage overindulgence.

“If you are grieving the loss of someone, it’s important to recognize and process your emotions. We understand these feelings can be especially heavy during the holidays but you are not alone,” said Recovery Alberta. For those in need of external assistance, Alberta Health Services has created a new series of grief support videos available online to help navigate the mourning process.

“If you’re struggling this season, know you are not alone, and we encourage you to be patient and kind to yourself,” said Recovery Alberta, which encouraged residents to visit their website to find a list of local supports should they find themselves struggling this winter.

9
-8