BROADCASTS.com

b'A survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness, reported worsened conditions around the holidays. Be it due to separation from loved ones, personal grief, the pressures of gift-giving, economic hardship, challenging interactions with family members, or shorter days. However, there are ways to help address the stress or condition and improve your mental health. Here are some strategies for supporting your mental health:\\n\\n1). Pay Attention To Your Feelings. Remember that it\\u2019s okay to feel unhappy during the holidays. Recognizing your feelings is the first step to addressing and nurturing them.\\n\\n2). Develop A Plan For When You Are Feeling Stressed, Sad, Or Lonely. This plan may include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, engaging in an activity that brings you joy, or watching your favorite movie. Having a plan, ahead of time can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable.\\n\\n3). Practice Self-Care. It\\u2019s important to schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body. This may include reading a good book, working out, spending time in nature, and practicing stress management skills, such as deep breathing, meditation, and Yoga. It is also important to remember to prioritize necessities, including eating a well-balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and finding time for exercise.\\n\\n4). Connect With Community. If you can\\u2019t be near loved ones during the holidays, finding a supportive community through clubs, support groups, community centers, local meetups, and faith communities can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Consider scheduling a regular phone call with family and friends as well.\\n\\n5). Support Others. During this time of year, feelings of grief and loss can amplify. Check on loved ones who may be alone or struggling during the holiday season. Helping a friend or neighbor not only gives joy to others, but it can improve your own happiness and well-being.\\n\\n6). Recognize Seasonal Mood Changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which people experience symptoms of depression, that are triggered by the change in seasons. Treatment is effective and may include light therapy, antidepressant medication, and/or talk therapy.\\n\\n7). Avoid Alcohol And Drugs. For people in recovery, the holiday season presents challenges that can trigger the use of alcohol and drugs. Having a plan for navigating social events and feelings of loneliness, can reduce the risk of substance use. \\n\\n8). Know When To Seek Help. If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it\\u2019s important to seek help and know that treatment is available. \\n\\n1). SAMHSA\\u2019s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)- A confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.\\n\\n2). FindSupport.Gov- An online guide that helps people navigate through common questions when they are at the start of their journey to better behavioral health.\\n\\n3). FindTreatment.Gov- A confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.\\n\\n4). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- If you or someone you know needs support now, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.\\n\\n5). Veterans Crisis Line- Reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Dial 988 then press 1.\\n\\nI have my Certification as an Adult Mental Health First Aid responder. Please know you can reach out to me (coachingwithmichellea@gmail.com).\\n\\n\\n\\n--- \\n\\nSend in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/message\\nSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michelle4466/support'