The Elk Valley Suicide Task Force recognizes that many people are lonely and sad over Christmas and have posted the following helpful words.
As we enter into December, remember that feeling lonely around the winter holidays is extremely common.
This does not minimize how you are feeling and please reach out for support and share some comfort in that others have an understanding and will be feeling the same.
Loneliness is an emotion we feel when our relationships aren’t meeting our needs.
Beginning to create changes in your life and confronting feelings of loneliness can be challenging, but with each small step you can break down the loneliness thinking cycle.
Understand why you feel lonely.
If you feel lonely, you may be missing important pieces in your relationships. This can be very difficult to understand and talking with a counsellor can help you through this process.
Remember that loneliness is a feeling and not a truth.
Loneliness can be difficult, but it’s still just a feeling. It can be changed. Try not to compare yourself to others, especially on social media. Appearances can be deceiving.
Make space and time for yourself.
Give yourself time to adjust to change and transitions in life. Loneliness may be temporary before you feel settled again.
Create an opportunity.
Utilize your time alone to start a new hobby, learn a new skill and set yourself an achievable goal.
Here are some tips, on how to build the relationships you need:
• Look for groups or social connections that already share your interests.
• Slow and steady wins the race – building confidence takes time and be kind to yourself during this process.
• You won’t be everyone’s friend and that’s okay. Accepting this will aid you in choosing quality relationships over quantity.
• Healthy relationships have balance, yours and their needs should be equally valued in a friendship or other relationship.
• Identify and work around barriers. If you can’t find a solution easily, ask for help from others.
• Try to increase connections. Make time for calls, in person meetings and emails with family and other friends.
Join the Elk Valley Suicide Task Force on Christmas Eve for a walk, jog or run and jingle all the way to Montane Hut!
See the “Jingle All The Way To Montane Hut” details here.
Help is available:
Help can be found here: cmha.bc.ca
Wellness together peer support warm line: 1-888-768-2488 (Available between 1pm – 5pm MST, 7 days/week)
Check out humanest meet & motivate groups: https://humanestcare.com/
Phone counseling through wellness together: 1-866-585-0445 (24/7)
Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566
The Elk Valley Suicide Task Force promotes awareness, prevention and support for those impacted by suicide in the Elk Valley.
