The holidays can be a stressful time.
That's why GRH mental health and addictions staff members have come up with a series of suggestions on how to maintain good mental health, and how family members can support loved ones with their own mental health.
If you need or a loved one needs mental health support over the holidays, please
- Contact Here 24/7 (opens in a new window) at 1-844-437-3247
- Visit our emergency department at 835 King Street West in Kitchener.
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Title: Some helpful tips for good mental health for parents and children this holiday season...
Klas Bockasten, Families for Awareness, Change and Education: to have or maintain good mental health over the holiday season I think it is important that you don't get stressed out over all the activities and preparation for the Christmas holiday. Also, if you're not getting that special gift that you had been hoping for, that this doesn't create a conflict. The more important thing is to stay good friends, help each other and enjoy the holiday season together.
Title: Grand River Hospital: Advancing Exceptional Care
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Title: Some helpful tips for good mental health this holiday season...
Shani Ellis: It's just about setting your limits, knowing when enough is enough, setting your boundaries, saying no, asking for help when you need help and taking some time for yourself to do things you enjoy. Whether that includes taking a warm bubble bath or enjoying some hot chocolate, just do things you enjoy doing.
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Title: Some helpful tips for good mental health this holiday season...
Shawn Lauzon: For good mental health over the holiday season, what you want to do is keep your regular schedule. You want to eat well, you want to have snacks before you go out so you don't overindulge. Get plenty of rest. Get some physical exercise. That way you can be grounded right into the new year.
Title: Grand River Hospital: Advancing Exceptional Care
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Title: Some helpful tips for good mental health this holiday season...
Catrina Clark: The holidays can be quite hectic so it's important to fuel our bodies and our minds with good options like oatmeal, leafy greens, nuts, dark chocolate and plenty of water. These things can help reduce the cortisol stress hormone and we can actually eat our way to a healthy and happy holiday season because food really does affect our mood.
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Title: Some helpful tips for supporting a loved one to have good mental health this holiday season...
Jones Amoako: I will encourage families to respect your loved one's decisions to attend or not to attend family gatherings in the holidays. Avoid discussions on mental health unless it's absolutely necessary. And also, provide them with love and care through things they value most.
Title: Grand River Hospital: Advancing Exceptional Care
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Title: Some helpful tips for supporting a loved one to have good mental health this holiday season...
Christina Page: Try not assume you know how your loved one feels or what they need. Instead, listen. Ask them what they need and how you can be a support to them. Try not to offer suggestions and advice right away or reassurances. Feeling heard is usually the most important part.
Title: Grand River Hospital: Advancing Exceptional Care
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Title: Some helpful tips for supporting a loved one to have good mental health this holiday season...
Andrea Lobsinger: I think that during this time of year, it's so easy to become overwhelmed with gift giving and ensuring that people have enough to open. For this holiday season, I think it's important to consider just being present in the moment, embracing the time that you have with one another, and just engaging in activities that are happening throughout the day.
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