The holiday season can be a particularly difficult time for people experiencing grief, loss, isolation, and other challenges.

The Board of Health of Grey Bruce Public Health would like to remind people who are navigating these types of challenges that they are not alone and there are resources and supports available to help.

“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,” says Board of Health Chair Mr. Nick Saunders.

“Grey Bruce Public Health 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.”

Grief, also known as bereavement, is the experience of loss. People can experience grief after the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a relationship.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers the following tips to help people through a grief journey:

• Connect with caring and supportive people, such as loved ones, neighbours, or co-workers, or a bereavement support group or community organization.
• Give yourself enough time. Everyone reacts differently to a loss and there is no normal grieving period.
• Let yourself feel sadness, anger, or whatever you need to feel. Find healthy ways to share your feelings and express yourself, such as talking with friends or writing in a journal.
• Recognize that your life has changed. You may feel less engaged with work or relationships for some time. This is a natural part of loss and grief.
• Reach out for help.
• Take care of your physical health. Be aware of any physical signs of stress or illness, and speak with your doctor if you feel your grief is affecting your health.
• Offer support to other loved ones who are grieving. Reaching out to others may be helpful in your own journey.

The following resources are available for people experiencing grief or other mental health challenges:

• 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.