The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. But for many, it can bring feelings of stress, sadness or loneliness. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges, missing loved ones or simply feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to not feel “merry and bright.”
Your mental health matters and help is available when you need it. Here is a list of resources for both immediate and non-urgent mental health support to help you or someone you care about find the support and peace you deserve this holiday season. And remember, be kind, because you never know the battles others may be facing. We rise by lifting others.
For immediate mental health and addiction support, available 24/7:
- 9-8-8: If you are in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 – Canada’s helpline for anyone who is thinking about suicide or who is worried about someone they know
- 9-1-1: In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or visit your closest emergency department
- Kids Help Phone: Text 686868, call 1-800-668-6868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca
For non-urgent mental health and addiction support, please consider:
- Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP): Free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and related services for adults (18+) experiencing depression, anxiety and trauma related concerns
- Frontline Wellness: free, confidential, low barrier support for healthcare workers and healthcare organizations to help enhance resilience and manage mental health challenges
- 1door.ca: Visit 1door.ca for 24/7 referrals to free counselling services
- Patient/Client & Family Council (PCFC): Peer Support Services – call 705-526-4569
- CFS Counselling + Wellbeing: Visit cfssc.ca for local counselling and therapy services
Other health care resources to consider:
- 8-1-1: Visit health811.ontario.ca or call 8-1-1 to connect to qualified health professionals who can provide health advice and information
- Virtual Urgent Care Clinic: Available to residents in the central region of Ontario who require timely access to a nurse practitioner for urgent non-life-threatening conditions that can be addressed virtually. Open 7 days a week from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. (including holidays) – visit https://regional-virtual-urgent-care.ca/
- 2-1-1: Call 2-1-1 or visit https://211ontario.ca/ to connect to social services, programs and community supports.