Frigid temperatures can impact mental health of Calgarians
Posted Feb 26, 2019 12:03 pm.
Last Updated Feb 26, 2019 7:17 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Does the seemingly neverending cold weather in Calgary have you feeling blue?
The Calgary Counselling Centre says cold snaps can exacerbate some existing mental health conditions.
“The most common is that people start to isolate themselves,” explained Cathy Keough, the director of counselling initiatives. “That’s because they don’t go anywhere. Or they are afraid that just to do normal duties like grocery shopping could lead to injury, could lead to other physical problems.”
If you feel isolated, she suggests spending just a bit of time outdoors, saying hi to your neighbours, or just sitting near a window.
The counselling centre does not notice a spike in the number of people seeking help during cold snaps, although they do hear from clients whose symptoms can become worse.
“Sometimes it can be really hard to set out for the day when it’s -28, but people can be surprised because they are expecting the worst, but then you have traffic going as normal,” Keough added.
If you’re looking for help or someone to talk to, you can reach out to the centre online or over the phone (403-691-5991).
