Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
The COVID pandemic has changed fundamental elements in peoples鈥� lives, from the face-to-face connection with each other, to the stability of healthy finances.
The Christmas season can intensify the feelings of uncertainty that have come about since the pandemic swept the globe last spring.
Ian Goodge, adult outreach worker for Community Outreach Services in Jasper, said this year, the holidays have the potential to be especially hard for many people, as we all come to terms with the realities of celebrating without seeing our closest family and friends.
This season will be a lot different than we are used to, with large gatherings cancelled and people being asked to stay home.
For many people, the public health restrictions will mean celebrating alone.
鈥淲hen it comes to maintaining mental wellness, social isolation is our biggest enemy, so it is important that, over the holidays and in the weeks and months to come, we all do our best to reach out and check in on our family, friends, and acquaintances,鈥� Goodge said.
Goodge pointed out one of the biggest buffers we have to keeping positive mental health is healthy connection to others.
But the pandemic has put that in jeopardy, as we spend less and less time interacting with others in order to flatten the curve and protect each other from contracting the virus.
鈥淥ne of the best things we can do for ourselves is to find ways to connect with others, both for ourselves and for those who are close to us,鈥� Goodge encouraged.
鈥淐onnecting with our feelings and our own personal needs is the first step to reaching out and seeking the help or support we need to improve our lives. Something as simple as a phone call and a reach out goes a long way.
鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to be vulnerable and honest about what you鈥檙e feeling and what you鈥檙e going through. Chances are the person you鈥檙e talking to can relate, or at the very least, provide you with comfort and support.鈥�
For many people, picking up a phone and calling others, Goodge said, may not feel natural. Going to drop-in sports for connection, for example, isn鈥檛 happening, so opportunities to connect are more limited.
鈥淭hey don鈥檛 have the opportunity to connect for connection鈥檚 sake, because it鈥檚 out of their nature in many ways,鈥� Goodge said.
Looking after yourself is very important.
鈥淐OVID-19 has created a lot of anxiety and fear and has taken away many of our normal coping mechanisms,鈥� Goodge said.
鈥淚t is so important during times like this to find ways to centre ourselves and ground ourselves. Even small things matter, like eating well, sleeping well, moving our bodies, learning new things, staying connected to our support networks and giving back to the community.鈥�
If you are struggling this holiday season, COS outreach workers provide free, confidential, non-judgmental support services Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To set up an appointment with an outreach worker, call 780-852-2100.
If you need support in the evenings or weekends, there are resources available. If it's an emergency, call 911, or call the Mental Health Help Line toll free at 1-877-303-2642.
