With winter comes lower temperatures and fewer hours of daylight which is attributed to a decrease in mental health. Lisa Hallberg is a manager with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Mental Health and Addiction Services team. She explains the way people respond to seasonal mental health challenges depends on personal stressors and coping mechanisms.
“There's more hours of darkness right now and cold temperatures that can make it really difficult to get outside and be active, more so than other months of the year. And it can be more difficult to practice some strategies that may help us feel better and have better mental health. So things like getting outside, connecting with others, looking after our physical health, all those things can be a little more difficult at this time of year.”
Despite the seasonal trend, there are still plenty of ways to bolster mental health this time of year. Hallberg notes trying to identify stressors and reduce them is a good place to start. “Find some ways to relax, find ways to be creative, maybe learn something new, spend time outdoors when we can, connect with other people, our friends, our family, our community, maybe volunteer.”
She continues, citing the importance of looking after physical health as well.
“Try to be mindful of what we eat, make sure we get enough sleep, make time to exercise and develop some coping skills.”
For those struggling with mental health challenges, seasonal or otherwise, there are a variety of resources available. Envision Counselling and Support Centre as well as the Canadian Mental Health Association have offices and programming in Weyburn. Hallberg encourages reaching out to a personal support as well.
“If a person didn't think that they could reach out on their own, they could try to enlist the help of their family doctor or a supportive family member.”
Students can access a school counsellor, as well as Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) which has call, text, and chat options.
Other free resources include self-referring to the SHA mental health services at 306-842-8665, this can also be referred to by a family physician. The SHA can defer to programming at other local organizations as well.
There are remote virtual services as well, including their online therapy unit out of the University of Regina (306-337-3331) and Counselling Connect Saskatchewan.
The Suicide Crisis Line can be reached by dialing 9-8-8, and the Health Line can be reached at 8-1-1 for confidential health and mental health education and support.
If you suspect someone is struggling, Hallberg suggests encouraging them to reach out to these community supports and resources.
“Maybe it's even sitting down with them and making the phone call or connecting with some online or virtual services that are available. Sometimes people need that extra support and that nudge of a supportive person kind of taking those first steps with them as they reach out for help.”
Find more information on the SHA’s Mental Health and Addictions page.