Coping with COVID-19: Your mental health questions answered

The global COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 a very difficult year for so many people.

Andhere in Alberta,things are about toget even more difficultas the province mandates even stricter rules to try to curb soaring COVID-19 cases that are straining the health-care system.

• WATCH | Your COVID-19 mental health questions answered in thevideo above.

Many businessesacross Alberta are beingordered to close, restaurants and bars won't be allowed to welcome in customers, and social gatherings are to be off-limits just in time for Christmas-time, perhaps the most social time of the year.

It's all sure to be taking a toll on Albertans' mental health. That's why we spent an hour on Thursday at 1 p.m. with experts in that field.

Our host Shannon Scott was joined by Dr. Peter Silverstone, a professor and interim chair of the department of psychiatry at the University of Alberta,Natasha Dharshi, the senior operations co-ordinator forDistress Centre Calgary andwellness coachSonja Franzmann.

Theytookquestions from viewerson CBC Calgary's website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Need help? Contact the Distress Centre Calgary's 24-Hour Crisis Line by dialling 211 or 403-266-HELP (4357). Visit their website for more information about their services at www.distresscentre.com.

The Canada Suicide Prevention Service is also available by phone at 1-833-456-4566, text 45645 or chat with someone on the crisisservicescanada.ca website.

If you feel your mental health or the mental health of a loved one is at risk of an immediate crisis, call 911.