Holiday Mental Health Tips

Although the holidays are often considered the most wonderful time of the year by many, they can also be a difficult time for people with mental health problems…and right now we’re in a mental health crisis in the US and It’s probably safe to say most of the world! 

So you you probably know someone who is struggling right now...or maybe it's you.  

In this episode, it's just 11 days until Christmas; and The Dragonfly Connection's Creator, wellness practitioner, and CPTSD warrior, Amber Cook is sharing some ways to help you and your loved ones have a happier, healthier holiday season in spite of it all. 

Amber shares her personal experience with the holiday blues to remind you that you are not alone. Connect with her on Instagram @the_dragonfly_momma.

If you're in need of support, don't wait to get help, even if you're not yet suicidal. Being in a mental health crisis does not mean you're contemplating suicide. 

Here are a list of resources for all kinds of mental health crisis's and most are free:

• https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/ Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
• National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) 
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides referrals to support groups and mental health professionals, resources on loss, and suicide prevention information (888-333-2377)
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning and information on domestic violence (800-799-7233)
  The Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects callers to trained crisis counselors (800-273-8255)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

   

  24 hours a day / 7 days a week
  1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  24/7 Lifeline Crisis Chat Line
  En español: 1-888-628-9454
  TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

• YouthLine

  Offers teen to teen crisis help with both a phone line and a texting support line through Lines for Life.
  Teens respond from 4:00 to 10:00 PM Monday through Friday
  24 hours a day / 7 days a week
  Call 1-877-968-8491
  Text teen2teen to 839863

• Veterans Crisis Line

  Confidential help for veterans and their families.
  Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
  Text to 838255

• Trans Lifeline

  A trans-led oganization that offers direct service, material support, advocacy, and education.
  Peer support hotline available 7 am to 1 am PST
  1-877-565-8860

• The Trevor Project

  For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
  24 hours a day / 7 days a week
  1-866-488-7386

• https://www.befrienders.org/Volunteer Action to Prevent Suicide
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides information on prevention, treatment and symptoms of anxiety, depression and related conditions (240-485-1001)      
• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) provides information and referrals on ADHD, including local support groups (800-233-4050)
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides information on bipolar disorder and depression, offers in-person and online support groups and forums (800-826-3632)
• Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) offers Schizophrenia Anonymous self-help groups and toll-free teleconferences (240-423-9432)
• Sidran Institute helps people understand, manage and treat trauma and dissociation; maintains a helpline for information and referrals (410-825-8888)
• Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder (TARA) offers a referral center for information, support, education and treatment options for BPD (888-482-7227)