NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
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Coping with pandemic fatigue, specializing in the positives and staying connected with family and friends are a number of the Ontario Medical Association’s key mental health suggestions for this holiday season and winter months.

That is the time of the yr when a kind of depression generally known as seasonal affective disorder occurs, at the identical time many persons are still coping with pandemic fatigue, loneliness and stress from organizing holiday events. Listed here are some tricks to help cope.

• Give yourself a break: Should you’re still feeling stressed in regards to the pandemic almost three years after it began, your feelings are valid.
• Minimize infection risk: As we take care of the triple threat of respiratory syncytial virus, COVID-19 and the flu, good public health measures have each physical and mental advantages: wearing masks in indoor public settings, washing hands, physical distancing when appropriate, and being up thus far with flu shots and COVID boosters. You may have peace of mind from knowing you’re doing every thing possible to guard yourself and your family members.
• Take stock of excellent things that happened this yr: Specializing in the positives like personal accomplishments or profession achievements is a straightforward but effective exercise to offset a low mood. This might help to place things in perspective when negative feelings pop up and remind us of what’s possible in the longer term. Consider a memory book or art project to commemorate these moments.
• Take time to disconnect: It’s essential to disconnect by reducing your screen time and taking a walk outside or engaging in other physical activity.
• Meet up with family and friends: Stay social with family, friends and others, especially those that are elderly, vulnerable or live alone.
• Me time: Attempt to make it a priority to search out time for yourself to recharge and to refocus, even when simply to take a walk or read a book.
• Seek support and help: Should you need support, don’t be afraid to succeed in out to trusted family and friends. Should you need more, contact an expert. Should you are feeling suicidal or unsafe, go to your nearest emergency department or crisis centre.
• Be kind: Help yourself by helping others. Putting up decorations, cooking a meal, running an errand or simply being a shoulder to lean on can have mental health advantages.
• Narcan kits: Should you or someone you already know is combating substance use, even when rare, have a Narcan kit handy. Narcan is a prescription medicine used to treat a known or suspected opioid overdose.
• Resources: For more information and support: ontario.cmha.ca/provincial-mental-health-supports.

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