Feeling seasonal affective disorder picking up in full swing? Understanding all of the sad Christmas songs, but changing the channel when the happy ones play? Or — for sure this one — wishing for that Christmas years ago when the holiday really did feel jolly? Well… me too. Check out these top mental health resources, coping skills and support tools to help you navigate the holiday season and all that it entails.

Introduction

It’s the best-kept secret that the holiday season can be immensely difficult. We miss too much, drink too much, spend too much, and sleep not nearly enough. If you feel this way, you’re not alone. 84% of people report feeling moderate to overwhelming holiday stress. In fact, a recent study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 64% of people with existing mental health conditions report the holidays worsen their symptoms. But you’re not alone, and help is available. If you’re wondering where to start, don’t worry — you can start here!

Understanding Holiday Mental Health Challenges

• I’m feeling triggered – why? The list of triggers during the holiday season is almost as long as your list for Santa. Some triggers include being overextended, grief, loneliness, financial expectations and substance abuse. Read a more in-depth description of these triggers here. 
• Being around family makes me more stressed. I am not a marriage and family counselor. However, without exception, marriage and family has come up with every patient I have had in my career. Family is stressful, and happens to be one of the most common triggers. Knowing how to protect yourself and set boundaries is not only recommended, it’s required to making it through the holiday season.
• My spirit is threadbare. This time of year wears even the most even-keeled individual a little thin. It’s hard to pour from your cup when you feel like it’s leaking. How do you plug the whole? How do you patch up your thin spots?
• I don’t know how to take care of myself. Build a selfcare toolkit. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else – it’s frustrating, but it’s true. 

Mental Health Support Resources

Reach out.

• If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are afraid you may try to take your own life, call 988, the sucide hotline. 
• If you’d like to talk to a peer who has been where you are, call the peer warmline: 1-855-PEERS NC (1-855-733-7762).
• If you’d like to send a text for support, Text “HelpLine” to 62640 for the National Alliance of Mental Illness HelpLine.

Meet for support.

Looking for Peer Support? Check out this NAMI group: Peer Support Group!
Looking for affordable counseling? Check out Stephanie Vlad at Lemon Tree Wellness and Counseling (they offer a sliding-scale payment system upon acceptance/verification of need!) or LMV Counseling (their integrative approaches and counselor Lauren Vilar are wonderful!).
Looking for online counseling? Check out Talkspace or BetterHelp for virtual counseling support.

Resources you can use on your own.

Looking for articles and advice? Check out Very Well Mind – a mental health resource that I use regularly in sessions!

Looking for free mental health screening tools? Check out this resource from Mental Health America where you can screen for a variety of disorders including anxiety, depression, PTSD and postpartum conditions.

Looking for therapeutic resources on your phone? Check out Calm or Headspace for guided meditations, stress management sessions and sleep support.

Looking for a reason to put pen to paper? Check out my brand new page-a-day guided journal, Miracle Fish! Available now on Amazon.

Places to go.

• Housing for a teen? Check out Open House Youth Shelter. 
• Housing for an adult? Check out the Good Shepherd Center.
• Housing for someone in an unsafe situation? Check out The Open Gate.

Support for college students.

• Looking for counseling through university? Check out UNCW’s Counseling Center for students.
• Looking for help afterhours? The Counseling Center offers a after-hours crisis line that you can access by calling 910.962.3746 then press #3.

Conclusion

It takes incredible strength to reach out for help. Resources are available and only make you stronger. Take the first step by starting here, from immediate crisis support to long-term resources.