Weekly virtual appointments with counsellors available to cope with holiday and COVID mental health

As with every year, the Christmas season is merry for many, but not for all.

Those who struggle with their mental health often find it extra difficult during this time of year, the COVID-19 pandemic worsening the suffering in this, the second consecutive COVID Christmas season.

“We continue to see a demand for service, but where we live we have limited services available so we’re always getting an influx of phone calls,” said Marsha Nicholas, Canadian Mental Health Association Algoma (CMHA) supervisor.

However, Nicholas added “we’re pretty fortunate in the sense that we partner with several other agencies (Algoma Family Services, Sault Area Hospital and John Howard Society) and provide a virtual walk-in clinic, a virtual counselling service.”

Intake for weekly virtual counselling is done each Monday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and is ongoing (not just for this time of year).

Clients can call (705) 759-0458. 

The virtual support clinic offers appointments between a client and a counsellor every Tuesday, with three appointment times to choose from - 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

“Each week we have numerous helpers who are available so we can offer quite a number of appointments,” Nicholas said.  

When the walk-in clinic was first developed, those in need of help could appear in person at the CMHA Algoma office.

“Due to the pandemic we are now offering it (the weekly walk-in clinic) virtually. So that’s one thing we have noticed. We are getting an increase in volume for that service,” Nicholas said.

“(However) we are seeing people face to face. Because we are considered an essential service we are providing that service if people don’t have access to a phone or virtual means,” Nicholas said. 

“People are experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety, grief and loss. Not just loss of a loved one but loss of routine, loss of ability to socialize, to be around family and those social supports.”

“Now, with the restrictions that have been put into place locally, I would imagine that we are probably going to see a lot of individuals struggling around the holiday season, not being able to have those family dinners like we once did.”

Due to soaring COVID case numbers, Algoma Public Health (APH) handed down an order - effective Nov. 26, 2021 to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 28, 2021 - to restrict the number of attendees at social gatherings and organized public events to a maximum number of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

Those limits apply to social gatherings whether they are held in private settings, like homes and apartments, or at places like restaurants and meeting and event spaces.

Those restrictions may be amended, rescinded, or extended as the Sault and Algoma COVID situation evolves.  

“We are encouraging people to contact us for services, absolutely. I think in general we are seeing an increase in demand,” Nicholas said.

As for general advice in dealing with anxiety and depression from isolation felt by some at Christmas, Nicholas said “it’s really important to maintain a structure and routine. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise is so important, and seeking support from those around you, whether it be family, friends and even connecting with your family physician and reaching out for, perhaps, referrals to other services, whether it be to Canadian Mental Health (or others).”

“It’s important to connect people to the right services,” Nicholas said.