Whether celebrating Christmas or enjoying other holiday traditions, this time of year can be hard on relationships, families, finances, self-esteem and emotional well-being. As there is a service gap during the winter break campus closure, follow this list to ensure you weather the holiday season.

Strategies:

• Prepare a mental health plan to reduce emotional strain and improve overall health and wellness.
• Don’t feel you have to succumb to seasonal social pressures (No is a complete sentence!)
• Make a budget and stick to it. Don’t spend money you don’t have on gifts (your presence is a present!)
• Prevent illness throughout cold and flu season to keep your health in order and your routine on track.
• Write down a list of intentions for enjoyable activities: (read a book, visit friends, binge-watch TV on the couch)
• Access support to navigate mental health concerns or crises
• Be mindful of alcohol or drug consumption, which can heighten depression
• Connect with a friend or ally if your family makes you feel unseen or unsafe

Supports:

• GuardMe Student Support connects students with free, real-time, 24/7 counselling via chat and telephone. Call 1-844-451-9700 if you’re feeling panicked, distressed or overwhelmed. Get matched with a counsellor based on gender, language, culture, identity and lived experience; you can book appointments with the same person to keep the support consistent.

• The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre provides free, client-centred support services to victims of sexual assault; child sexualized abuse, domestic violence and sexual harassment. Call KSACC at (250) 372-0179 or email: ksacc@ksacc.ca

• Survivors and supporters experiencing the impacts of domestic violence and sexual assault can contact the crisis line 24/7 at **1 (888) 974-7278.** Callers can receive emotional support, information about sexual and physical assault, medical and forensic procedures, reporting and legal options, referrals to other community supports and services, and information on follow-up counselling and justice.

• Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, a 24-hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419

• The KUU-US Crisis Line Society is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, individuals can call the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050

• Staff can connect with LifeWorks, the confidential Employee Family Assistance Program that provides free, around-the-clock assistance to eligible TRU faculty and staff, spouses, and dependents. Services include counselling and crisis support. Call 1-877-207-8833 or log in online.

• Trans* Care BC provides a centralized database of information and guidance for support and resources, including exploring one’s transition, hormone therapy, surgical interventions, health and well-being, resources for families and parents and more.

• Youth In BC Chat/Crisis Lines provide immediate, barrier-free, non-judgmental, confidential support and follow-up 24/7  by phone 1-800-784-2433