A local counsellor is encouraging people who are struggling in these uncertain times to reach out for help.

Daina Funk is the Director of Rooted Counselling in Steinbach. She says we as people are made for community and interpersonal connection. She notes when you compound our inability to gather as we normally would with other factors such as job loss, difficult family dynamics, and uncertainty, we can find ourselves in a very unstable place.

"If you are having difficulty getting out of bed, crying all the time, deep feelings of worthlessness, recurrent thoughts of death, loss of interest in activities that brought joy in the past, angry outbursts, unexplained physical pain, slowed thinking, extreme weight loss of weight gain, anxious thoughts and restlessness it may be a time to reach out."

Funk says none of us have ever been through a time like this so it is not surprising that we may be dealing with one or more of these deep feelings, however, if these feelings continue for days at a time you should seek assistance.

"Reach out to a friend, a family member, your pastor, tell them. We are all going to have days where we need to verbalize what is happening internally. This is the greatest thing to do to be emotionally well during this unprecedented time. To reach out when all we want to do is curl up in a ball and avoid the reality of this time in our lives. We are in this together. Counsellors are also part of essential services."

Funk says there are many resources in our community that can help with financial issues or mental health issues and it is important that we allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to voice the need.

Though they may not understand the situation as well as adults, Funk notes kids also need support in this difficult time.

"It is important to be a non-distracted listening ear and not push to make them feel better. Allowing kids to verbalize their feelings and feel them without being pushed toward contentment or joy is important. Sharing age-appropriate information is helpful for any child questioning this situation."

In addition to seeking help, Funk also says sleeping well, eating healthy, and moving every day go a long way in helping our mental health as this pandemic drags on.