If you’ve got access to a phone or the internet, you have resources to help you get through the holidays if you’re feeling stressed, depressed or anxious.
Last week, the province put out a list of online mental health and substance-use services and supports to help people deal with the added pressures associated with Christmas.
Among the people who might have mental health challenges over the next few days are people who are:
• experiencing heightened stress;
• grieving the loss of a loved one;
• empty-nesters;
• elderly;
• living alone;
• or living with anxiety or depression.
Among the resources listed are:
• Mental Health Digital Hub: www.gov.bc.ca/mentalhealth is a provincial website that provides information, services and education and awareness about mental health and substance use for adults, youth and children.
• Heretohelp: www.heretohelp.bc.ca is a provincial website that provides information about managing mental illness and maintaining good mental health, including self-management resources and screening self-tests for wellness, mood, anxiety and risky drinking.
• Substance-use Services: B.C. has a network of direct and contracted services for people experiencing substance-use challenges, including counselling, needle exchanges, opiate-replacement therapy, and withdrawal management and prevention programs for adults and youth. Call toll-free: 1-866-658-1221.
• The Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service: Provides resources, support and referral information for treatment and counsellors around the province. Call 604 660-9382 (Greater Vancouver).
• HealthLink BC: Provides 24-hour, confidential health information and advice. Call: 811 or visit: healthlinkbc.ca.
• Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre: Provides confidential, non-judgmental, free emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide. Call: 604-872-3311 (Greater Vancouver) or visit: crisiscentre.bc.ca.
• Bounce Back: A free, evidence-based program designed to help youth and adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood or stress, with or without anxiety. Bounce Back teaches effective skills to help people improve their mental health. Call toll-free: 1-866-639-0522, or visit: www.cmha.bc.ca/how-we-can-help/adults/bounceback.
Supports for children and youth:
• Kids Help Phone: Immediate and caring support, information and, if necessary, referral to a local community or social-service agency. Call toll-free: 1-800-668-6868, or visit: http://org.kidshelpphone.ca
• Child and Youth Mental Health Intake Clinics: Parents and youth can access community mental-health assessments, supports and services in B.C. through 90 walk-in intake clinics at convenient locations throughout B.C.: Tri-Cities, 300-3003 St. Johns Street, Port Moody, Tuesday, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Youth in B.C. Distress Line: 24-hour distress line staffed by counsellors and trained volunteers who are committed to helping youths in crisis. Call: 604 872-3311, or visit: youthinbc.com.
• Online Services Map: Interactive map listing approximately 350 B.C. mental-health and substance-use services for children and youth. Google: Youth Mental Health Services Find Services Near You.
