Mental Health Resources for the Holidays

The holidays can be a source of increased stress. It can be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones and those struggling to make ends meet. When we set out to create the ‘perfect’ holiday experience for those we love, often there are elements out of our control that interfere with our vision of a celebration like health issues, finances, past and present relationships, or uncomfortable feelings that may arise due to COVID-19.

Any number of things can make us stressed, unhappy or depressed this time of year. The Mayo Clinic has some good tips in their article: ” Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping“. They say that “being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.”

 

The state of Colorado has several services that can help if you feel like you or a loved one are heading towards a crisis. Colorado Crisis Services has help available 24/7. You can call their hotline (1-844-493-8255), send a text to a specialist (text TALK to 38255), or visit one of their walk-in locations. Their crisis counselors and professionally trained specialists listen and offer support to individuals who are in need of help. They handle calls on:

  • COVID Related Stress
  • Trauma
  • Isolation
  • Loneliness
  • Substance Use
  • Concerns For Family Or Friends
  • Financial Pressures
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Relationship Challenges
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Depression
  • Family Crisis
  • Bullying
  • Gender & Identity

IMatter is a program sponsored by the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health that promotes emotional and mental health for youth. They use a survey to tailor suggestions for youth and also have resources for parents who feel that their child might be struggling.

211 Colorado is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people to vital resources across the state. They have an online database with information on more than 8,000 services in Colorado. The database can be searched by category including health services, basic needs, mental health and addiction, housing and shelter, and many others. Help is also available by telephone: just dial 211 or (866)760-6489.

We have recently added two publications to the State Publications Library collection related to behavioral health and how programs are developing in the state:

 

Samantha Hager
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