Winter a key time to check in on mental health – PembinaValleyOnline.com
As the coldest part of Winter arrives across the Pembina Valley, conversations around mental health become more important.
Local resident Nathan Fehr joined the Eagle 93.5 FM morning show recently to talk openly about mental health, counselling, and why winter can be a particularly difficult season for many people.
Winter brings challenges for many
Seasonal affective disorder, depression, and other mental health struggles often intensify at this time of year.
Fehr said he experiences ups and downs like most people, but acknowledged he has access to supports that others may not.
“I went through a cancer journey in 2024, and so I’m still talking to a cancer care counselor about that. I would love for everybody to get counselling,” Fehr said. “And I don’t mean that in a negative way, but just, like, everybody to have a professional and objective person to talk to.”
He stressed that counselling does not need to be reserved for moments of crisis.
“Even if you’re not in any particular mental health crisis, just to check in with somebody.”
Related stories:
Counselling before crisis hits
A key part of being engaged in the counselling session, is to acknowledge the need to be vulnerable.
“You have to actually sit down and share the hard part.” Fehr added, noting that past generations were often taught counselling was only for people who had hit rock bottom, but that mindset is changing.
“The idea being nowadays to get some tools in your tool belt before you hit rock bottom,” he said.
Continuing sessions even during good seasons can still be valuable.
‘You are not the problem’
Fehr shared a perspective he said has stayed with him through years of counselling. He credits this phrase or idea to George MacDonald, M.A. (Psychology) C.C.C., who has been working in the mental health field in Manitoba since 1973.
He said, “You are not the problem. The problem is the problem.”
Fehr explained that separating yourself from the issue can help reduce shame and make challenges feel more manageable.
As winter settles in, Fehr hopes conversations like this encourage people across the Pembina Valley to check in on themselves and each other, and to view counselling as a proactive, practical support rather than a last resort.
Southern Health-Santé Sud Walk-In Counselling:
If you’re struggling with your mental health or with a particularly difficult problem you haven’t been able to overcome, are presently on a mental health waitlist, or need a refresher session, consider utilizing this service. Individuals 16+ are eligible.
In a one-time walk-in session, you can discuss your struggles, explore coping, and get information about other resources that might help. Anything that is on your mind is a good reason to schedule a drop-in counselling session. Sessions are first come, first serve.
Available in Steinbach, Portage La Prairie & Winkler. Please go to their website for more information, including addresses & current hours:
Apps:
1. There are a variety of mental health apps available. Here are some options:
- Hope by CAMH (Centre for Addiction & Mental Health) – use to create a suicide safety plan.
- MindShift CBT – Anxiety & Panic Relief
- Dealing With Depression – education, tips & strategies to manage depression.
- Smiling Mind – guided mindfulness exercises.
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