Holiday Season Resources

"Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean ‘me first’, it means ‘me too’.”

Self care and mental health is a focus year-round, with insights even more supporting during this busy time of year. The holiday season is often a time where symptoms may be heightened.

What are the holiday blues?

The holiday blues are temporary feelings of anxiety and/or depression during the holidays that can be associated with extra stress, unrealistic expectations, or memories that accompany the season.

6 self-care tips to support your mental well-being during the holidays

Practice gratitude
Acknowledge your feelings
Learn to say “no”
Manage healthy habits
Journal
Reach out

Supportive Resources

Stress & Anxiety

First, We Make the Beast Beautiful: A New Journey Through Anxiety by Sarah Wilson
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns: A classic for tackling negative thought patterns.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain: Great for introverts feeling overwhelmed by social demands.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab: Essential for navigating difficult family dynamics.

Grief & Loss

It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand by Megan Devine: Validates grief and offers compassionate guidance.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion: A powerful memoir on coping with profound loss.
Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief by Martha W. Hickman: Offers daily support for those grieving.

Supporting Trauma & Deeper Healing Awareness

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk: Explores how trauma affects the body and mind.
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini: A relatable novel about teen depression and finding hope.
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green: A poignant story about OCD and anxiety.

Organizations - National

Mental Health Crisis Line: CALL 988
NAMI Helpline: (800) 950-6264
Supportive AA Resources
Self-Compassion Institute
SAMHSA resources and documents (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Mental Health America
The Whole Child

Organizations - Local

RESOURCES &
SUPPORTIVE PRODUCTS

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, it is best to call 911.

If you are feeling suicidal right now, no matter how much pain you're experiencing, you are not alone.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress. Languages: English, Spanish. Please call: 1-800-273-8255

Milwaukee County 24/7 Crisis Line: 414-257-7222

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Text 741741 in the US to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor.

If you are located internationally, please visit findahelpline.com for a global list of helplines and crisis resources that can potentially provide support.