With one-in-two Canadians experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness during the holidays, people are being encouraged to prioritize their mental health this season.

Jennifer Whelan, Mental Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region tells us about some reasons why some people can become overwhelmed.  

“For many of us, it means a lot of extra work right? Extra cooking, doing lots of shopping, and sometimes spending way too much money. We might have strained relationships with family or maybe we just can’t be with our family this holiday season or maybe a loved one has passed. It can be a very difficult time and it’s not always what we are expecting.”

Whelan says it’s important for people to seek help when contending with these feelings, especially when it comes to utilizing resources available to them.

The Northern Health Region has a helpful pamphlet with tips on stress reduction and the various resources available locally, provincially and nationally.  

You can request a copy by emailing jwhalen@nrha.ca or calling 204-778-1926.

For the full interview, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.