Why Thanksgiving Can Be Hard on People’s Mental Health

WINNIPEG –

For many people, Thanksgiving weekend is a time to meet family and friends and think about what makes them thankful. For others, however, the holidays can take a toll on their mental health.

Marion Cooper, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association for Manitoba, said vacations can be a stressful time for people struggling with their mental health.

“Reuniting with family may or may not happen because we still live in a time of stress around social distancing and paying attention to these important public health messages,” she said.

She noted that there might also be people who experience a sense of isolation.

“There will be a lot of people who are struggling alone and have no social ties. The holidays can accentuate that and increase that feeling of isolation, ”Cooper said.

At the same time, Cooper said, many people will feel a sense of gratitude for reconnecting with loved ones this holiday weekend.

“For some of us, many of us, we will feel very grateful to have the opportunity to reunite with loved ones and it will be good for our mental health,” she said.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Today is not just Thanksgiving Sunday, but also World Mental Health Day from the World Health Organization.

Cooper said the day gives people the opportunity to speak openly about the importance of mental health.

“It reminds us that we are part of a global movement tackling mental health around the world,” she said.

She noted that the Canadian Mental Health Association has released a five-year national strategic plan, with the key message that mental health care is a universal human right.

“We continue to advocate for more access, for more timely services for individuals when they need them. But also for a whole-of-government approach to mental health, ”she said.

Cooper said mental health is not just about health services, but also education and what can be done to support children and youth.

“It’s also about workplaces and what workplaces can do to create conditions that promote positive mental health for its employees and make psychological health and safety an important standard for health and safety. safety at work, ”she said.

Cooper said she hoped that as there was more awareness, more people would prioritize mental health in ways they had never done before.

– With files from CTV’s Michael D’Alimonte.