By Charles Lefebvre

Canadian Mental Health Association reminding people to practice self-care during holiday season

Dec 15, 2017 | 2:31 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Despite the slogans in advertising and the images, it’s not always the most wonderful time of the year.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is reminding people to be especially aware of their mental health during the holiday season.

“Our stresses increase over the holiday season, because we place so much expectation on ourselves to get things done, to have the perfect holiday, to give the perfect gifts, to spend the amount of money we that we typically do spend,” said Breanne Mellen, coordinator of the Community Helpers program with the local chapter of the CMHA.

Mellen says money and especially trying to spend as much time with as many people at possible during the season are the primary reasons for the increase in stress.

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“We tend to give our time away to other people,” she said. “We give it to the parties we go to, we give it to our friends, to our family, and we don’t really take time for ourselves during the Christmas or holiday break, which is what we need to do.”

Mellen says the organization tends to receive the most requests to present to organizations about managing stress during the winter months.

Some symptoms that can be present as a result of holiday stress include fatigue, change in diet and withdrawal from families and friends. Depression and anxiety could also result.

Mellen says it’s important to take time for self-care, at least 15 minutes a day to do something that clear’s your head.

“It’s also important to learn how to say no, and know that it is okay to say no,” she said. “You don’t have to do everything you ‘re invited to just because you were invited. You can say no if it doesn’t feel right for you, and if it’s causing you more stress.”

She adds talking about what’s affecting you with family and friends is also beneficial.

If you’re in need of mental health assistance during the holiday season, contact the 24-hour crisis support line at 1-800-784-2433 or contact the 24-hour Alberta Mental Health Link at 1-877-303-2642.