The holiday season is often associated with joy and celebration, but for some, it can also bring feelings of loneliness and struggle. 

Jeremy Wiens, founder of the Southeast Men’s Group, says the group meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., providing a space for men to connect and talk openly. 

“We try to bring in guest speakers every time, somebody who can touch on the topics that we feel that need to get addressed, that we feel the group is leaning towards and whether it’s through suggestion box or whether it’s just through where we feel is the right direction for the group.” 

Topics discussed within the group have included addictions such as drugs, alcohol, and gambling, as well as anger and grief. As Christmas approaches, Wiens says loneliness during the holidays has become a key focus. 

He notes that social media can play a role in amplifying those feelings. 

“It’s amazing to see people getting together, family, having meals, opening presents, doing all that fun stuff. But the challenge is when you don’t have that and you’re alone, or you feel alone, and the struggle of how do you deal with that thought of loneliness and seeing everybody in this amazing place.” 

Wiens believes many people may not be as alone as they feel. 

“We get stuck in our own heads sometimes, and if we take a step back, we can realize that there are actually other people out there that are going through life too. It’s not always as easy as and as glorious as it looks on social media.” 

He encourages people to reach out if they know someone who may be struggling or spending the holidays alone. 

“If it’s loss, if it’s career, for whatever reason it is, to reach out to them, absolutely do that. Just send a, ‘Hey, how’s it going, thinking of you,’ whatever. Just a connection point.” 

Wiens also points out that others may not know when someone is struggling, and encourages people to take the initiative and ask for help. 

“Sometimes it’s a challenge. It’s way easier said than done. But to take that first step and do that, I think that’s a huge thing that could actually get you out of that stuck point in life.” 

He adds that finding places where people gather during the holidays can also help build connection. 

“Whether it’s even things like church services that are happening, be around people, go out, and finding a place where people are, and just finding those connection points.” 

Wiens says joining the Southeast Men’s Group is one option, along with seeking out other mental health supports. 

“If you’re just at a place where you are absolutely alone, reach out to somebody specifically. There are different training programs. We just had an amazing speaker come out and talk about suicide and loneliness during the holidays, and about taking that first step of not being alone, not being in the place where you’re stuck in your own head, and that was a big thing that he drove home.” 

He notes that substance abuse is sometimes used as a coping mechanism, but says it is not the answer. 

“Especially when you’re feeling down or low, your choice is either to essentially drown your problems, quote unquote, or deal with them. Sometimes it sucks to go through the hard thing, but it’s better to go through the hard thing and come out proud of how you dealt with it, versus avoiding by substance abuse of any sort and getting lost in that.” 

Wiens reminds people that reaching out can make a difference, and that support is closer than it may seem. 

“Take the time, reach out, and make a connection point with someone, and you know what, you’re really not alone. There’s eight billion people on this planet, somebody’s going to connect with you.” 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, or calling or texting the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8. 

For any emergency situation, call 9-1-1. 

A list of mental health resources can be found at www.southeastmensgroup.ca/resources.