December 18, 2024
CALGARY – The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring feelings of stress, sadness or isolation. For many, the holidays can be especially difficult when dealing with addiction, mental health challenges, or the grief of losing a loved one.
If you’re struggling this season, know you are not alone, and we encourage you to be patient and kind to yourself. Here are some tips to help you manage your emotions and take care of your mental health during the holidays:
Reach out for support: Whether you are facing addiction, emotional or mental health challenges, seeking support from friends, family or a mental health professional is essential. Don’t hesitate to talk about what you’re going through and ask for help when you need it. To find a list of supports in your area, visit the Recovery Alberta website.
Practise self-care: Prioritize your well-being by taking time for activities that relax and ground you. This could include exercise, journalling, deep breathing, or simply resting. Small moments of calm can make a big difference.
Set boundaries: It’s OK to say “no” to holiday activities or events that feel overwhelming. Focus on what feels most important and manageable for you.
Remember your loved ones: 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. Alberta Health Services (AHS) has created a new series of grief support videos that share personal stories of loss, resilience and healing, offering both connection and practical coping techniques to help navigate the emotional challenges of grief.
Limit substance use: The holidays can sometimes encourage overindulgence. If you are struggling with addiction, try to plan ahead and avoid environments where you may feel pressured. If you need help, there are resources available to support you.
We’re here to help 24/7: The addiction and mental health helplines offer confidential support, information and referrals to Albertans in need.
About Recovery Alberta
Established in 2024, Recovery Alberta is the new provincial health agency responsible for providing comprehensive and accessible recovery-oriented mental health and addiction services, and correctional health services, in Alberta. In partnership with the Ministry of Mental Health & Addiction, Recovery Alberta supports Albertans facing mental health and addiction challenges across a continuum of care, including prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.
About Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
