Westwind's Wellness theme for December is MANAGING STRESS.  

Canadian Association of Mental Health states that “stress is a normal response to situational pressures or demands and is a part of everyday life. But chronic stress can lead to mental health problems and medical issues”.

Long-term stress can increase our risk factors for:

• anxiety and depression
• substance use problems
• sleep problems
• muscle tension
• headaches
• gastrointestinal problems
• high blood pressure
• cardiovascular disease
• stroke

Learn more HERE.

If you need some support heading into what can sometimes be a stressful holiday season, there are several support lines & smartphone apps available to help with managing stress.

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, Text-686868 or Always There App.
• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-4566 or text 45645.
• Youper App - Emotional Health Assistant
• Calm App -  Guided Relaxation Activities