Health board reminds of resources for holiday grieving

A man sits at a table in this stock image. (Pexels)

The Board of Health of Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) is reminding those who are experiencing grief, loss, isolation or other challenges during the holiday season that there are helpful resources and supports available.

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In a media release this week, the Board acknowledged that the holiday season can be a difficult time for many and provided the following resources to reach out to for help:

• ConnexOntario – 1-866-531-2600 – offers free mental health information and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Hope for Wellness Helpline – 1-855-242-3310 – provides mental health and wellness support 24/7, both online and over the phone, to Indigenous people across Canada.
• The Farmers’ Wellness Initiative Helpline – 1-866-267-6255 – provides Ontario farmers, farm families, farm employees, and spouses/dependents of farm employees with free mental health counselling, specific to the unique challenges experienced by the agricultural community.
• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 – offers free, anonymous, and confidential phone and online counselling 24/7 for children and youth aged 20 and under.
• 9-8-8 – free Suicide Help Line, available via call or text.

“For many, the holidays can be a joyous time of year that evokes feelings of excitement, togetherness, and comfort. However, for people dealing with death, loss, loneliness, and other challenges, the holidays can exacerbate feelings of sadness, helplessness, isolation, and grief,” stated Nick Saunders, GBPH Board of Health Chair, in the media release. “GBPH encourages people who are struggling emotionally or facing mental health challenges this time of year to connect with loved ones and/or community resources for support and assistance.”

GBPH also outlined several tips via the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to help those who are grieving, which included:

• Connecting with caring and supportive people, such as loved ones, neighbours, or co-workers, or a bereavement support group or community organization.
• Giving oneself enough time, and that there is no ‘normal’ grieving period.
• Letting oneself feel sadness, anger, or whatever needs to be felt, but to find healthy ways to share and express feelings, such as talking with friends or writing them down.
• Recognizing that feeling less engaged with work or relationships for some time is a natural part of loss and grief
• Taking care of one’s physical health, being aware of any physical signs of stress or illness and speaking with a doctor if grief is affecting physical health.
• Offering support to other loved ones who are grieving, as reaching out to others may be helpful in one’s own journey.