Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
December 17, 2024
Building Resilience for the New Year
December 31, 2024
Messages of happiness and joy are everywhere during the holiday season which can feel overwhelming if our own emotional state differs from those around us. We all experience emotions and sometimes those include feeling sad or down.
Symptoms of Depression
If you have noticed feeling sad or low nearly every day for two weeks or more, and have noticed other symptoms such as losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, losing/gaining weight, sleeping too much (or not enough), have very low energy, and/or frequent feelings of unworthiness, a doctor may diagnose you with depression.
Connect to Help
If you think you might have depression it is important to see a doctor as some of the symptoms of depression can also be symptoms for other conditions; a medical professional can help you determine the best treatment for you specifically. For those who don’t have a family doctor, in the province of BC you can call 811 to connect with a healthcare navigator.
If you have any thoughts of suicide, calling or texting 988 may be the fastest way to connect to help. You can call or text any time of day or night from anywhere in Canada or the USA to connect to a compassionate responder.
Stay Connected
During the holidays, there are often multiple events and opportunities to connect with coworkers, friends, and families. Although depression may make you feel like avoiding people; social connections can help you feel better. If it feels like too much, pick and choose some smaller gatherings where you will have a chance to connect with others.
Be Careful with Alcohol
Alcohol is frequently offered at holiday celebrations, and if you are taking antidepressant medications , be aware you need to discuss with your healthcare provider before drinking alcohol. Mocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks are becoming more and more popular and are a way to feel festive without alcohol, a quick internet search will reveal many mocktail recipes to make at home.
Stay Connected
Click on our OK Clinical Therapy Group Counselling Team page to learn more and read more about each of the counsellors; or let us do the work of matching you with someone who will fit your needs by filling out this online form and specify that you are struggling with depression.
If you have any questions you can call us at 250-718-9291 email us at info@okclinical.com or chat with us online at OKClinical.com
Written by: Tami Muhlert, Practicum Student
