Mental health strategies for the holiday season

Mental health strategies for the holiday season

December 17, 2024 at 11:33 pm  Education, Kamloops, News

Whether celebrating Christmas or enjoying other holiday traditions, this time of year can be hard on relationships, families, finances, self-esteem and emotional well-being. As there is a service gap during the winter break campus closure, follow this list to ensure you weather the holiday season.

Strategies:

  • Prepare a mental health plan to reduce emotional strain and improve overall health and wellness.
  • Don’t feel you have to succumb to seasonal social pressures (No is a complete sentence!)
  • Make a budget and stick to it. Don’t spend money you don’t have on gifts (your presence is a present!)
  • Prevent illness throughout cold and flu season to keep your health in order and your routine on track.
  • Write down a list of intentions for enjoyable activities: (read a book, visit friends, binge-watch TV on the couch)
  • Access support to navigate mental health concerns or crises
  • Be mindful of alcohol or drug consumption, which can heighten depression
  • Connect with a friend or ally if your family makes you feel unseen or unsafe

Supports:

  • GuardMe Student Support connects students with free, real-time, 24/7 counselling via chat and telephone. Call 1-844-451-9700 if you’re feeling panicked, distressed or overwhelmed. Get matched with a counsellor based on gender, language, culture, identity and lived experience; you can book appointments with the same person to keep the support consistent.

  • The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre provides free, client-centred support services to victims of sexual assault; child sexualized abuse, domestic violence and sexual harassment. Call KSACC at (250) 372-0179 or email: [email protected]

  • Survivors and supporters experiencing the impacts of domestic violence and sexual assault can contact the crisis line 24/7 at **1 (888) 974-7278.** Callers can receive emotional support, information about sexual and physical assault, medical and forensic procedures, reporting and legal options, referrals to other community supports and services, and information on follow-up counselling and justice.

  • Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, a 24-hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419

  • The KUU-US Crisis Line Society is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, individuals can call the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050

  • Staff can connect with LifeWorks, the confidential Employee Family Assistance Program that provides free, around-the-clock assistance to eligible TRU faculty and staff, spouses, and dependents. Services include counselling and crisis support. Call 1-877-207-8833 or log in online.

  • Trans* Care BC provides a centralized database of information and guidance for support and resources, including exploring one’s transition, hormone therapy, surgical interventions, health and well-being, resources for families and parents and more.

  • Youth In BC Chat/Crisis Lines provide immediate, barrier-free, non-judgmental, confidential support and follow-up 24/7  by phone 1-800-784-2433

     

View Link to Original Source

No conversations yet

Activity Stream

Thu, Mar 5, 2026 at 8:00 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Saving humanity requires systemic change
Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 10:53 am - Transition Kamloops posted on their blog: Nature-Friendly Yards: 2026 will be pilot season!
Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 4:58 pm - Kamloops Film Society posted on their blog: The Magic Flute | Met Opera Special – The Kamloops Film Society
Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 8:00 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Trade without accountability, pollution without borders
Wed, Feb 25, 2026 at 12:36 pm - Kamloops Film Society posted on their blog: Industry Training and Networking Opportunities Return to Kamloops Film Festival with Learn About Film and KISS Fest – The Kamloops Film Society
Thu, Feb 19, 2026 at 8:00 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Where joy grows: Bringing butterflies home
Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 3:09 pm - Transition Kamloops posted on their blog: Growing pains: How is Kamloops responding to urban sprawl?
Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 2:21 pm - Transition Kamloops posted on their blog: AI Data Centres are Coming to Kamloops!
Mon, Feb 16, 2026 at 5:39 pm - Transition Kamloops posted on their blog: Come get inspired at our Virtual Open House!
Thu, Feb 12, 2026 at 8:00 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: As the planet heats up, water worries worsen
Full Stream

Upcoming Events

Ivan Decker: Million Dollar Comedy Tour
Saturday Jun 13
All Events