Since not everyone has family or friends close at hand during the holiday season, a local organization is hosting a pair of events meant to bring people together.
On Dec. 29 and 30 the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Fort Frances Branch will host A Celebration of the Winter Season at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre for people ages 16 and older.
Christina Hahkala is a Community Services Co-lead with CMHA and says the event is planned to be a time for people to spend time with others during the holiday season.
“I think it’s good for people in the community if they don’t have somewhere to go. A lot of places are closed during the holiday season, they might feel a little isolated or sheltered,” Hahkala said. “So it’s a good place to come out and meet new people, get together, make a new friend. So we’ve partnered with the library to do this, and some of our staff will be there helping.”
The events, which run from 12 – 4 p.m. both days, will be a time for people to play games, eat some light snacks, watch some movies or just be together.
Many people may feel the need to gather with others during the holidays, for any number of reasons, Hahkala said, and people in need can’t always necessarily get timely help.
“It depends on what’s going on in somebody’s life, loneliness, it could be a loss,” she said.
“There’s a lot of services that aren’t available during the season because they’re closed for their staff.”
While the days will have started getting longer by the time the event rolls around, the long cold nights of winter can be tough for people as well.
“You have some seasonal depression in the dark days,” she said.
“December 20 it starts to turn around and we get longer days of the year, but that all plays into somebody’s mood and how they’re feeling.”
If you’re having a blue Christmas, there are people available to help.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing suicidal thoughts you can contact the national suicide Crisis Helpline by phone or text at 9-8-8 24 hours a day seven days a week.
The Canada Mental Health Crisis line is also available 24/7 at 866-888-8988.
Talk4Healing has free confidential support available across Ontario in English or Ojibwe 24/7 talk, text or chat at 855-554-HEAL (4325).
Giishkaandago’ikwe Health Services has a mental health direct line available Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. closing at 4 p.m. on Fridays. This line will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Messages will be returned when staff are available.
