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Strategies for better mental health around the holidays

New Westminster – With the added stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people may be feeling like they’d benefit from mental health support during the holidays.

“We’re often good at checking in with family and friends about mental wellness, but let’s not forget to check in with yourself and think about your own mental well-being,” stated Sergeant Sanjay Kumar. “We need to be checking in not only around the holidays but throughout the year. There are lots of great resources available through both Fraser Health, the Ministry of Health, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Of course, the women and men of the New Westminster Police Department are here to offer support if you find yourself in crisis.”

Mental illness is widespread, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only served to amplify this. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, about seven million Canadians live with mental illness at any given time. Mental health challenges transcend all ages and backgrounds. In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

If you feel you would benefit from speaking to a mental health professional, please visit the Fraser Health website www.fraserhealth.ca. The Government of British Columbia has also made additional mental health supports available through https://gov.bc.ca/Covid19MentalHealthSupports. If you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, you should call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital emergency department right away.

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