Guelph’s Homewood Health Launches Video Series on Winter Wellbeing

As winter settles in across Canada, many individuals face unique mental health challenges. In response, Homewood Health, a mental health and treatment centre based in Guelph, has launched the “Winter Wellbeing Mental Health Series.” This collection of videos aims to address the mental health struggles that can arise during the darker months of the year, particularly when the holiday season ends.

Gabrielle Provencher, the director of enhanced mental health care at Homewood Health, emphasized the need to shift focus away from the typical holiday narrative. “We wanted to steer away a little bit from the regular holiday theme that we all seem to hear, and really focus on the winter months because it’s truly a darker season for some,” Provencher shared. The series offers practical tips and tools designed to help individuals reconnect with themselves and rethink their perceptions of winter, moving beyond the traditional notions of joy and cheer.

The series addresses broader mental health issues that extend past the holiday celebrations. Data collected by Homewood Health from 2022 to 2025 indicates a significant drop in the demand for mental health services during December, followed by a marked increase in January. Provencher noted, “We really aren’t that great [at taking] care of ourselves during the holiday.” Several factors contribute to this trend, including the hectic pace of the holiday season and the pressures of social media, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and inadequacy.

One of the videos in the series tackles the phenomenon known as “the comparison trap.” During the holiday season, individuals often compare their lives to the curated images they see online, leading to feelings of disappointment. Provencher stated, “The heavy commercialization of the holidays really amplifies the way that we compare each other.” She encourages viewers to remember that many Canadians experience grief, loss, and food insecurity during what is often perceived as a joyful time.

Food scarcity is a persistent issue in Ontario, as highlighted in the annual Hunger Report from Feed Ontario. The report revealed that in the past year, over 1 million people made 8.7 million visits to food banks in the province. “Picture a large family, abundance of food … it’s simply just not the reality for everybody,” Provencher noted. The impact of food insecurity on mental health during winter cannot be overstated, making it imperative for individuals to recognize the diverse experiences of those around them.

Understanding the Winter Blues

The winter months often lead to physiological changes in the human body, which can contribute to feelings of lethargy and low mood. Provencher described this natural tendency as a form of “hibernation.” “It’s important to remind yourself that it is a natural way for our body to slow down,” she explained. Similarly, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) reports that approximately 15 percent of the general population in Ontario experiences winter blues, which can manifest as changes in appetite and energy levels.

To combat winter-related mental health challenges, CMHA recommends several strategies, including increasing outdoor activity to gain sunlight and fresh air, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. “The prevalence of the winter blues highlights the need to make our mental health a priority throughout the year,” the CMHA stated, noting that the lack of sunlight can significantly impact mood.

Provencher emphasized that maintaining mental health is an ongoing process. “I think the key here is really to have those check-ins sporadically with ourselves,” she suggested. Rather than setting a single resolution at the start of the year, she advocates for developing a continuous self-care plan that evolves throughout the seasons.

The Winter Wellbeing Mental Health Series is now accessible on Homewood Health’s YouTube channel. This initiative encourages viewers to take the first steps toward prioritizing their mental health and understanding the complexities of winter experiences. As the cold months continue, it is crucial for individuals to engage with these resources and foster a supportive community that acknowledges varied realities.