Psychologists offer advice on fighting the January and COVID-19 blues
Global News
For many Quebecers, Monday's snowstorm came at an inopportune time after holidays that were difficult, with many pandemic restrictions in place. How can one cope with the stress?
Today isn’t just a snow day, it’s Blue Monday, considered one of the most depressing days of the year.
Global News spoke with two psychologists on how to cope during these stressful times.
For many Quebecers, Monday’s snowstorm came at an inopportune time after holidays that were difficult for many families.
“It’s dark, it’s gloomy, it’s cold. That just feels so heavy for so many people emotionally,” said Lisa Brookman, co-director of the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre.
And we’re still living under COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. More people than ever, she said, are coming to her clinic.
“People who never before in their life struggled with sadness or anxiety. People are just having a really hard time adapting and I think one of the biggest things we’re seeing is a lack of hope,” she said.
Clinical psychologist Pierre Faubert said the snowstorm could be good for our morale, if we let it.
“If we have a minimal amount of optimism, then this can be something else to do than talk about the pandemic,” he explained.