The holidays, and winter in general, can be the most challenging time of the year for many people, so it is essential that we take care of ourselves and our loved ones during this time.
As a part of its Child, Youth & Family Programming, the BC Métis Federation hosted a Winter Wellness Workshop. This virtual workshop helped by focusing on mental wellness during the holidays. There was a discussion about how to keep yourself mentally and physically well and find resources in your community.
Click here to download the workshop PowerPoint as a PDF.
Helplines & Resources for Winter
As part of its Winter Wellness Program, the BC Métis Federation has compiled this list of educational resources to help alleviate and support people who experience seasonal mood changes during the winter season.
Winter Wellness: Five Ways to Overcome the Winter Blues
Red Cross Winter Wellness provides five ways to overcome the winter blues. You can also sign up to receive friendly calls by calling 1-833-979-9779 from 9 am to 5 pm. on weekdays to connect with someone who will encourage healthy coping strategies, offer other resources for well-being and community connection and reach out to you regularly to check in and provide emotional support.
Expert Tips for Beating the SAD and Winter Blues in Vancouver
In this article from Vancouver is Awesome, Dr. Raymond Lam, a UBC professor and expert on depression, discusses how to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the “winter blues.” He provides expert tips on beating the “winter blues.” He emphasizes the importance of staying active and engaging in pleasurable activities, even when motivation is low, to combat seasonal mood changes.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Articles
This HealthLinkBC topic on seasonal affective disorder (SAD) describes the condition, who is more prone to it, and the causes and symptoms. The article also describes diagnoses and the many ways to treat SAD.
This article from the Canadian Mental Health Association provides an in-depth overview of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), tips to ease SAD symptoms, and a list of resources.
Seven Ways to Cope with the Winter Blues
This blog from the Mental Health Commission of Canada provides practical strategies for managing the winter blues and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It covers emotional self-care, such as acknowledging and expressing feelings, and physical well-being tips, like boosting vitamin D levels, maintaining healthy sleep, and staying active. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, gratitude, and challenging negative thought patterns to help navigate the darker, colder months with resilience and balance.
Free Mental Health Screening
Beyond the Blues offers free, anonymous education and screening events across British Columbia to help individuals explore their mental health, including mood and anxiety issues, self-care, and risky drinking. Participants can take self-assessments, learn about effective treatments, and speak privately with a clinician to discuss the next steps. The events are supportive and engaging and provide access to valuable community resources for mental well-being.
The Benefits of light Devices and how to Get Them
This article from the University of British Columbia describes the benefits of light devices in treating Seasonal affective disorder. It provides recommendations on what to look for when buying a light device and online and in-person stores that sell light devices.
Seasonal Depression or Winter Blues? SAD Explained by a Psychologist
UC Davis Health has a YouTube video describing the difference between seasonal depression and winter blues. They provide a variety of resources, along with treatment and self-care options, to help combat seasonal depression and seasonal affective disorder.
Help Lines
Call the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to Hope for Wellness Chat through text. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. For youth and young adults ages 5-29 years old, call 1-800-668-6868.
