Mental-health, substance-use supports available during holiday season
By Province of British Columbia
While the holiday season is a time for celebrations, it can also be a time of year when people may feel lonely, stressed or triggered.
The past few years have been difficult for people due to global unrest, the lasting impacts of natural disasters and the pandemic. On top of this, people in B.C. continue to lose friends, family and community members to unrelenting toxic-drug poisonings.
These challenges can adversely affect people’s mental health. If you are struggling emotionally or if you know someone who is, please reach out for help. Crisis supports and resources are available online, over the phone and in person.
People continue to be affected by the devastating effects of the poisoned-drug supply. It is a very dangerous time for people who use illicit street drugs. It is important that those who use drugs get them tested and do not use alone. The Province has a wide range of life-saving services available, such as drug checking, supervised-consumption sites, prescribed pharmaceutical alternatives, treatment and recovery, and more.
The Province has expanded mental-health and substance-use care to meet people where they are at, no matter where they are in their journey, so they can connect to the care that is right for them. If you or someone you know is struggling this season and beyond, please know that care is available.
Learn More:
To learn about mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/
For more information and resources for youth in B.C., visit: https://poisondrugs.gov.bc.ca/
To read A Pathway to Hope roadmap, government’s plan to build an integrated system of mental-health and addictions care for people in B.C., visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCMentalHealthRoadmap_2019.pdf
