Mental health and wellness resources for the holidays

LETHBRIDGE — The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring challenges that lead to stress and anxiety. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

Alberta Health Services provides a wide range of mental health and wellness supports throughout the year, including over the holiday season. These supports include:

Addiction Services Helpline – This service provides help for problems with gambling, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The service is available 24/7 by calling 866-332-2322.

Addiction and mental health walk-in counselling services – This service provides information, prevention and treatment for alcohol, tobacco, drugs, mental health and gambling, as well as referrals to inpatient treatment services if needed. In Lethbridge, walk-in services are located at 103, 200 5 Ave. S. Call 403-381-5260 for more information. In Medicine Hat, walk-in services are located at 2, 346 3 St S.W. Call 403-529-3500 Ext. 1 for more information.

Canadian Mental Health Association Distress Line – This service provides support for individuals experiencing a crisis. The service is available 24/7 by calling 888-787-2880.

Family Violence Info Line – This service provides support and offers information about family violence programs, resources and services. The service is available 24/7 by calling 403-310-1818.

Health Link: This service provides health information and advice from registered nurses. You can reach Health Link 24/7 by calling 811.

Kids Help Phone – This service is free, anonymous and confidential and provides telephone and web counselling for youth in Canada. The service is available 24/7 by calling 800-668-6868.

Mental Health Helpline – This service provides crisis intervention, information about mental health programs and services, and referrals to other agencies if needed. The service is available 24/7 by calling 877-303-2642.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.