Planning ahead, knowing what resources are available, and connection with each other can make a difference
Making our area a safer place for all residents is something that we should be striving for. At this time of year, when emotions can be high, all types of stress can be on the upswing, and many people are going to holiday parties, it’s important that we brush up on our harm reduction tips.
“I tend to think of (harm reduction) in two ways. There’s this real, technical definition of harm reduction, which is how to reduce harms connected to substance use and STBBI’s(Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections). And then, there’s this broad concept of harm reduction, where we know we’re engaging in risky behaviour. Risk is a part of life. We engage in risky behaviour and find where and how we can introduce safety or safer methods into that equation. It’s a real, practical look at introducing safety into our lives,” said Tristan Dreilich, Senior Network Coordinator, Selkirk, for the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network.
He said that, though engaging in harm reduction is something that is important all year round, the holidays can be a time when it’s good to freshen up on these skills.
“The holidays get busy, but also they’re emotionally heavy times for us,” he said.
He’s noticed from talking to his colleagues that the conversations that they are having with the people they are helping can definitely get more intense this time of year, as more emotions, good and bad, can pop up.
Though he doesn’t have any specific advice that pertains to this time of year, it’s important that we are more aware and plan for safety.
“People tend to use more over the holidays. So, just being aware of your consumption, trying to throw in little breaks. If you’re using alcohol, for example, be intentional and introduce water between drinks or maybe taking some time off. Being intentional, if you’re intending to use substances or something like that, how can you plan ahead? Do you have a ride lined up?” said Dreilich.
Things like making sure you have food at your events, pacing yourself, and planning ahead are the practical aspects of harm reduction that people need to think about, but more than just physical health is important.
“Being aware that the holidays can be a tough time for a lot of reasons. There can be grief wrapped up in the season. People may be mourning family. People could be mourning their relationships and the way things have gone over the holidays. I know folks often feel lonely over the holidays, too. There’s certain work we can do and certain activities we can do, around grief, around connection, and just feeling. And maybe trying to be as proactive on that before it hits you as possible. Maybe think about reaching out before instead of after, might be helpful,” said Dreilich.
The other difficult part of the holidays is that, though time off can be beneficial, it does mean that everyone is off, and the levels of services that help people can change. It’s important to learn about what local resources are available ahead of time.
“The other reality, too, is that a lot of our supports that we can rely on over the holidays can be closed, barring emergency services. Some of our regular supports, whether that’s counselling or whatever. So, just making sure you have a plan around, either when to access those, or if you need to access more urgent supports. Make sure you have a plan around that,” he said.
Something that people in our community can do for each other is to intentionally connect at this time of year. Reach out to that friend or family member you haven’t seen in a long time.
“That connection goes a long way in making someone feel less alone, or maybe it brightens their day. Person to person, connection is one of the most transformative things in our work. It’s just as important throughout the holiday season,” said Dreilich.
Some supports in our community are:
For Grief
The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba has information at moodmb.ca/resource/grief
The Selkirk Friendship Centre can be reached at 1-204-482-7525
For Peer Support
The Canadian Mental Health Association can be reached at 1-204-478-6531
For Crisis Support
The 24 hr Crisis Line is toll-free at 1-866-427-8628 or 1-204-482-5419
The Mobile Crisis Team is toll-free at 1-888-482-5361 or 1-204-482-5361
To get the Suicide Crisis Helpline call or text 988 to connect with a trained responder who will listen without judgment, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help. You can also explore 988.ca to learn more about suicide and the Suicide Crisis Helpline.
Dreilich wishes everyone a safe holiday season and encourages everyone to take care of each other.
“I feel so much work is wrapped up in looking after each other. If there’s one thing that people could extend this season, it would be to continue to look after each other. We need more of that, not less of it,” he said.
