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By Shane Clausing

Christmas Loneliness

Holiday season can bring loneliness for some

Dec 24, 2019 | 2:54 PM

The holiday season has arrived and for a lot of people it means that it’s time to gather with family and friends and enjoy some company.

However, for a lot of people it can be a difficult time. Many people around this time can be going through mental health issues that could often lead to things such as depression and loneliness, or even suicide.

“There’s certainly people out there this time of year, that brings home a lot of things. Some people have lost someone through the year, gone through a breakup in a relationship or the first-time spending Christmas alone. So, it can be a down time of year for some people,” said Shane Anderson, the Program Director for Tough Enough to Talk About at the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Centre is a place for people who struggle with mental health to talk to somebody and get help. The centre has several programs for the community to use, as well as provides various workshops.

Anderson mentioned that if you know somebody that is struggling this time of year, you can also make a difference in how they’re feeling.

“If you’re a friend of family member of someone that you know struggles this time of year or has recently gone through a loss, keep in contact.”

“Go that extra step, shoot them a text just to let them know that they aren’t alone. The biggest thing we hear around Christmas time is the loneliness.”

There are also several other free services available for anyone of all ages to use through Alberta Health Services.

There is a 24/7 help line at 1-877-303-2642 if you need to talk to someone.

New for this year is a texting service for those that would be more comfortable, available by messaging 68-68-68. The texting service is for anyone of any age to use.