We are getting close to the longest night of the year. All signs are pointing to Haida Gwaii hibernation time.
Around this time of year there is a bit of a reckoning occurring. Many relationships begin in November, the fight for a living bed warmer sometimes being particularly feisty. Goals once held for 2025 are being re-evaluated and perhaps adjusted for reality. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can begin its quiet, suffocating march as vitamin D levels plummet, leading to feelings of despondency and emptiness. It can be a lot to handle.
If you are like most people, you may be looking for a little support during this difficult, introspective time. “You should see a counsellor” may be a familiar refrain, but what does that mean, and where should one start.
The fact is that there are many paths to wellness and many forms of support. What works for one may not work for another, so read through the options and see which one resonates with you.
Self-help: Whether in the form of a book, a podcast, an account you follow, an app you use, or simply re-committing to previously held healthy habits or goals, self-help can work wonders. Sometimes all we need is a little accountability. For example, apps that raise awareness of your alcohol consumption, such as Sunnyside or Reframe, can go a long way toward reducing consumption over the darker months. Books such as Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic can ignite our dormant creativity and put us on a more authentic life path.
Life coaches, mentors and advisors: Sometimes we need a little input and a real human to keep us on track. Life coaches can help you define your goals and come up with solid steps for success. They can offer frameworks to help you understand obstacles and circumstances and be a true companion on your journey. A mentor can help you hone a skill or vocation, leading to better employment or better expression. Advisors, particularly financial advisors, can help us plan for future eventualities and successes as we strive for a fulfilling life.
Certified support: These workers have specialized skills and training to support you through addiction recovery, life skills acquisition, family and parenting support, and more. Accessed through organizations such as Islands Wellness Society, Northern Health, Skidegate Health Centre, Niisla Naay, Haida Child and Family, and Haida Gwaii Society for Community Peace, these workers can act as advocates, supportive listeners and practical support. They can link you to a vast array of services that can assist you in many ways.
Traditional healers: There are recognized traditional healers in both HlGaagilda (Skidegate) and Gaw Tlagée (Old Massett). Both health centres periodically welcome other traditional healers, so reach out to them to see if there is a healer who might suit your needs. Attending to our spiritual side is an important pillar of wellness.
Professional services: Clinical counsellors, psychoanalysts, behavioural therapists, DBT, EMDR, CBT, art therapists and social workers. There are many options for professional mental health and wellness support tailored to your needs. Some of these services are free at local organizations, and some can be accessed through benefits. Always look for a professional designation. They should be registered with a regulatory body. The most common in BC is being a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC or CCC) or a Registered Social Worker. These workers will come alongside you wherever you are and provide the support needed to find your way to a better way of being. However, not all are created equal. You may have to try a few providers before you find the one who is right for you.
Doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists: When there is a need for a diagnosis or medication, speaking with your general practitioner is a good place to start. They can refer you to visiting specialists if needed. However, medication alone does not lead to the best outcomes. Medication combined with therapeutic services and support is the most successful path to change.
In this writer’s opinion, incremental slow change is the most likely path to long-term success. So consider what your next small step might be and begin to move in that direction, even if it is just ever so slightly. Small degrees of change lead to whole futures that one may have never allowed oneself to dream of. Go for it.
