Holiday Stress Leads To January Issues For Many

Many people experience mental health issues and depression in the weeks after the holidays.

Mental Health Cooperative Supervisor Kayla Jackson said the uptick is largely driven by the pressures and expectations surrounding the holiday period. Jackson said misconceptions on social media about the ‘perfect family holiday’ are a challenge for many. Jackson said the longer, darker winter days contribute to seasonal depression.

“All this can really lead to a feeling of being let down or even even depressed after the holidays,” Jackson said. “Because all those fun activities are gone or maybe you were surrounded by a lot of people for a couple weeks and now everybody’s gone and you can feel lonely.”

Jackson said reaching out is a step that the individual must decide upon. She said the increase in patients shows people are confident enough to ask for help. Jackson said in today’s age, reaching out is easier than ever, with crisis hotlines and mental health centers posted everywhere.

“I don’t ever think it’s a bad thing that there is an increase in people reaching out,” Jackson said. “I think we all go through difficult times and different stages in our life and it’s always good when people feel welcome enough or confident enough to reach out.”

Jackson said the clinic connects them with a care manager. She said some services they offer and you can do yourself include meditation and yoga. Jackson said a twenty-four-seven hotline is available for anyone who wants to reach out, outside of business hours.

“That care manager reaches out to them every month check ins, see how they’re doing,” Jackson said. “Helps them connect with resources, we also have therapists who they can schedule appointments with.”