The weeks leading up to the end of the year can be difficult for many British Columbians when extra pressure on us can often affect our mental health.

Over the holiday season, volunteer and staff crisis responders remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support those who are having a tough time.

Stacy Ashton, executive director of the Crisis Centre of BC says “Each of us approaches and experiences this time of year differently.

The centre is offering a few tips to help, perhaps, ease the pressure - including knowing where to get help, if you or a loved one needs it.

The Crisis Centre, along with members of The BC Crisis Line Network, answer 1800SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 310Mental Health Support (310-6789).

The Network comprises ten regional centres and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing lifesaving crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and strengths-based collaborative safety planning and follow-up to vulnerable British Columbians.

Another few tips include checking in with your emotions - and try to avoid “doom scrolling” - only spending 10-15 minutes reading news online - and avoiding the comment section.