The winter months already take a toll on people’s mental health, but throw in the COVID-19 pandemic into the mix, and that may make the winter blues even more challenging for some this year.

Jessica Martin with Minto Mental Health says coping with that stress and anxiety is going to look a little different this year.

“Finding strategies that work for you as well as limiting the exposure to the news, if we overindulge in the news of the COVID-19 numbers and cases it causes stress and anxiety on us to,” Martin said. “So, you’re wanting to kind of navigate through that and control what you can and where you’re getting that news from.”

Martin says overconsuming that news can cause us uncertainty, like the world we are currently living in. She adds that more people have been reaching out for tools and strategies to cope with their mental health.

Martin says it’s important to try to maintain your regular routines as you navigate through your mental health during COVID-19 and the winter.

“If you’re working from home, get up in the morning and have your breakfast, and then do your day and separate your home from your work because that’s really important,” Martin said. “I know it’s hard when we’re working from home, but creating those routines and those skills is huge to keep our mental health strong.”

She says that also accepting that the anxiety and fear is normal, and that it’s okay with COVID-19, as people are all experiencing new things during this second wave.

Martin says their website mintomentalhealth.ca has a specific tab for COVID-19 support and resources.

“So, there are different resources that have been created during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help individuals dealing the anxiety and depression because we have seen an increase in mental health, and anxiety, and depression during these times.”

Martin adds if people are having a hard time with navigating through what resources are going to be best for them, they can email them at: mentalhealth.town.on.ca.

Jessica Martin with Minto Mental Health: