Short days, cold weather and the slow weeks after the holidays can weigh on people. The City of Mississauga is encouraging residents to make their mental well-being a priority and to reach out for help when they need it.

In a notice issued Wednesday, the city pointed to Blue Monday, which fell on Jan. 19 this year and is often called the saddest day of the year, and said the end of January can be a hard stretch for many residents. The city noted that one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness or mental-health concern in any given year.

Where to get help

If sadness or worry becomes overwhelming, the city recommends speaking with a trained professional. It lists these supports:

  • 811, for health advice by phone

  • Canadian Mental Health Association, Peel Dufferin

  • ConnexOntario

  • Wellness Together Canada

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) resources

Low-cost ways to stay active

A city guide published last week sets out programs aimed at getting residents moving this winter. Residents 65 and older can get free fitness access through the 65+ Fit program. City memberships include unlimited access to more than 400 drop-in exercise classes and can be cancelled at any time without a fee, and virtual fitness classes let people work out from home.

The ActiveAssist program offers financial help with program fees for eligible residents, and the city runs adapted programs for people of varying abilities.

Calmer options and new connections

For people looking for something quieter, the city offers Ai Chi, a range of yoga classes and Paws and Relax therapy dog visits. Mississauga Library runs mindfulness and meditation programs, book clubs, chess clubs and craft circles, and its free Lecture Me! talks are offered with the University of Toronto Mississauga.

The city also suggests volunteering and spending time outdoors. Mississauga has more than 500 parks.