Newsroom

Winter Tips and Resources

Web Posted:


Contributed by: Samantha Porte


This season can be challenging, it comes with many complications and if you celebrate holidays, it may come with extra grief and heavy feelings. We wanted to make sure you know you don’t have to do this alone, and there are resources for you.

If you are struggling and need immediate assistance, please reach out to HERE247 at 1-844-437-3247

You are also welcome to drop in to HERE247 locations for assistance:

Guelph: 80 Waterloo Ave, (open 9:00am-5:00pm)
Kitchener: 67 King Street East, (open 9:00am-5:00pm)
Cambridge: 3-9 Wellington Street, (open 9:00am-5:00pm)
Fergus: 234 St. Patrick Street East, (open 9:00am-5:00pm)

*All locations are closed for Statutory Holidays

– Monday December 25th, 2023
– Tuesday December 26th, 2023
– Monday January 1st, 2024

Here4help.ca  (Canadian Mental Health Association) has some resources if you are struggling with your mental health. You can also find a branch near you for different supports.

The Canadian Suicide Prevention Service 24/7 is there if you need someone to talk to. They can be reached at 1-888-456-4566 or 4:00pm-12:00am (EST) text “START” to 45645

Or call the Suicide Help Line at “988”

What’s Your Grief “Finding Calm Amidst the Storm Anchoring Your Mental Well-Being in Turbulent Times”- addressing ways to find grounding within global and collective crises that have brought much loss, grief, and anxiety.

Finding Calm Amidst the Storm Anchoring Your Mental Well-Being in Turbulent Times (youtube.com)

Here is another workshop link from “What’s Your Grief” called “Coping with Grief During the Holidays”.

Coping with Grief During the Holidays (youtube.com)

This blog from “What’s Your Grief” has many articles and resources for different holidays or traditions and might help or give you some insight and ideas during this holiday season.

Blog Articles About Grief and Loss – What’s Your Grief (whatsyourgrief.com)

This is “What’s Your Grief” podcast, it has many topics and resources for you to browse, and may be helpful if you would like to listen to something while you’re going through a range of emotions this holiday season:

Grief Tips

Here are some grief tips to hopefully provide some relief and help during this time of year.

  1. ​​Be aware and tolerant of your limitations
    – Eliminate unnecessary stress
    – Lower your expectations and demands on yourself
    – Be honest about your needs
  2. Consider changing routines and traditions
    – Maintain traditions that feel comforting and let go of those that no longer
    feel right
    – Make a list of what is important to YOU
    – Prioritize
  3. Plan ahead
    – Think about what you can anticipate over the coming weeks
    – Allow yourself to change plans if you feel the need
    – Give yourself options
    – Escape plan
  4. Be with supportive, comforting people
    – Spend time with people who listen and validate your feelings, both happy
    and sad
    – Be aware of energy takers vs. energy givers
    – Who is in your circle of support?
  5. Designate time and space for your loss
    – Talk about the person, say their name
    – Look at pictures or videos
    – Leave a seat at the table for them
    – Light a candle
    – Prepare a special dish or meal
    – Share stories, poems, or songs
  6. Remember- it is okay to laugh, it is okay to cry
    – Embrace moments of joy
    – Give yourself permission to feel happiness as well as sadness
    – Accept the love and support of those around you
  7. Most importantly- do what is right for YOU
    – Take care of yourself
    – Honour your feelings
    – Honour your person
    – Participate as you see fit
    – Find meaning

Posted in Uncategorized