The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every person and every family in Edmonton and St. Albert. Even as life shifts toward a new normal, the ripple effects of the pandemic continue to affect our emotional well-being, relationships, and sense of security. Whether you’re grappling with anxiety, grieving losses, or simply adjusting to ongoing change, know that you are not alone. At Wholesome Psychology, we are committed to compassionate, strengths-based mental health support rooted in local expertise and genuine care.

Understanding COVID-19’s Ongoing Impact on Mental Health

COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges: physical distancing, financial stress, disrupted routines, and health concerns. For many, uncertainty led to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, and even post-traumatic stress. Many people in Edmonton and St. Albert have experienced:

• Persistent worry about health and loved ones
• Grief over the loss of family, friends, or anticipated life events
• Loneliness due to isolation and remote work
• Burnout from juggling childcare, remote schooling, and career demands
• The pressure of adapting to new ways of connecting socially

These feelings are normal. However, ongoing stress can make it difficult to function, connect, or enjoy life. That’s why local, skilled mental health support is more vital than ever.

Signs You May Benefit from COVID-19 Support

You may want to seek support if you experience:

• Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
• Persistent anxiety, sadness, or hopelessness
• Irritability, anger, or increased conflict at home
• Withdrawing from people or activities
• Difficulty concentrating at work or school
• Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
• Unresolved grief or sadness over losses during the pandemic
• Feeling overwhelmed by “returning to normal”

If you or someone you love is experiencing these challenges, timely intervention is key. The right support can help you process difficult emotions, build resilience, and rediscover hope. Learn more about our getting started process for accessing care.

Practical Coping Strategies for Pandemic Stress

1. Maintain a routine: Set consistent sleep, meal, and activity schedules—even if you’re mostly at home.
2. Stay active: Physical movement, even simple walks outdoors in Edmonton and St. Albert’s beautiful parks, can help relieve stress.
3. Connect with others: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups—even if virtually. Consider reconnecting through safe community events as conditions improve.
4. Limit media exposure: Stay informed, but avoid constant news or social media, which can heighten anxiety.
5. Practice mindfulness: Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Apps like Calm or Headspace may help, or join a virtual mindfulness group.
6. Express your feelings: Journaling, talking with a trusted person, or pursuing creative outlets can be powerful ways to process emotions.
7. Set boundaries: It’s okay to decline invitations or requests if you need space to rest and recover.
8. Seek local support: Edmonton and St. Albert offer a range of resources if you find yourself struggling to cope. Consider our COVID-19 coping advice page for more strategies.

Grief, Loss, and Post-Traumatic Growth

Losses during the pandemic may still feel raw—whether you lost a loved one, missed important life milestones, or found your worldview shaken. It’s natural to grieve and to struggle with complicated emotions. However, processing loss can also be an opportunity for growth and connection.

At Wholesome Psychology, our approach recognizes your unique experience. We offer safe, non-judgmental space to process loss and help you move toward healing. Learn more about support for grief and loss in our community or explore our grief & loss counselling services.

Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma After COVID-19

Emerging from the pandemic, you may be noticing ongoing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma. These could appear as chronic fear, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, or difficulty enjoying activities. With professional guidance, many people are able to address these symptoms and reclaim well-being.

Our team provides tailored care for anxiety and depression, as well as trauma therapy for those who experienced acute stress during the pandemic. You can also read about our depression treatment services and PTSD & trauma therapy for additional support.

Resources for Edmonton and St. Albert Residents

You do not need to face this alone. In addition to therapy, our region offers helpful services such as:

• Community mental health helplines and crisis support
• Support groups for grief, caregivers, and frontline workers—see our group therapy options and specialized support for healthcare workers.
• Virtual and in-person workshops on stress management and emotional health. Explore our stress management therapy resources.
• Specialized services for youth, families, and seniors, including adolescent counseling.

Consulting with a local psychologist or therapist provides both professional support and guidance to community resources tailored to your needs.

How Wholesome Psychology Can Help

At Wholesome Psychology, our team in Edmonton and St. Albert is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families recover and build resilience after COVID-19. Our therapists respect your individual path and honor the lasting impact of the pandemic on every aspect of life.

• Person-centered, trauma-informed therapy for people of all ages. Discover our person-centered approach.
• Hybrid telehealth and in-person appointments for maximum comfort and safety. Learn about online & virtual psychologist sessions.
• Techniques tailored to pandemic-related anxiety, depression, grief, and adjustment
• Support for parents facing ongoing parenting or remote schooling challenges—explore parenting support.
• Practical tools to manage stress, uncertainty, and transition back to work or school, including stress management strategies.
• Guidance for rebuilding relationships and managing family conflicts—see our family conflict counseling.

Meet our experienced psychologists and therapists to find the right fit for your needs in Edmonton or St. Albert.

Specialized Support for Families

Many parenting struggles intensified during the pandemic. Issues like child and youth mental health, balancing remote schooling, or managing conflict may still linger. Our counselors offer specific guidance on these concerns, helping your family adapt with compassion and understanding.

• Read more about our child and youth mental health services.
• Find targeted family therapy for navigating post-pandemic transitions.

When to Seek Professional Mental Health Support

If your coping tools feel insufficient, if relationships are suffering, or if emotional health concerns linger, reaching out is a sign of strength—not weakness. Many in our Edmonton and St. Albert community have benefited from heartfelt, practical counseling during this challenging time.

If symptoms impact your daily living, please reach out. For urgent mental health concerns or crisis support, you can access Alberta’s local crisis lines or emergency resources.

Book a Consultation in Edmonton or St. Albert

Taking the first step toward support has never been easier. Wholesome Psychology welcomes you—wherever you are on your pandemic recovery journey—with open hearts and evidence-based care.

• Contact us to schedule a confidential, judgment-free consultation in Edmonton or St. Albert.
• Explore our full range of therapy services for individuals and families navigating change.

You Are Not Alone

The COVID-19 pandemic brought hardship, but also opportunities for empathy, growth, and meaning. By seeking and accepting help, you root yourself in resilience and hope. Remember: you deserve to heal, and local support in Edmonton and St. Albert is always within reach.