Mary Alice Reporting – The holidays are a joyful time to many but for some, they may be struggling for a variety of reasons.
The ADAMH’s Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties is sending out a message that there is help for those needing to talk with someone.
Circumstances, where someone may need to call a helpline, include domestic situations, substance use, or mental health crisis.
Executive Director Natalie Bollon says that during the holidays, depression or anxiety symptoms increase by 64%.
“And that can be because of the financial concerns, or the pressure, or the difficult family dynamic. Sometimes that creates even more stress for individuals already struggling with mental health concerns.”
Suicidal thoughts can also be prevalent in stressful situations and Bollon notes that rates have increased for Tuscarawas County.
“I may be speaking to someone right now who is contemplating suicide and I just want to ask that person to consider making a phone call, whether it’s to a friend or a family member, or if they’re comfortable calling a counseling agency.”
Another struggle, for some, could be losing a loved one and trying to cope with having that void around a time of friendship and family gatherings.
“It’s readjusting to what your family’s new normal is going to be when the person was such a significant part of those holidays in the past, so that’s especially a difficult time.”
Bollon points out that it’s okay to set boundaries, whether they be financial, personal, or even limiting family gatherings.
For more information on available help, go online to www.adamhtc.org.
Crisis phone numbers include:
- Tuscarawas Crisis: 330-343-1811
- Domestic Violence: 330-364-1374
- Substance Use Disorder: 330-663-6812
- National Suicide Prevention: 988
- Crisis Text Line: text 4hope to 741741
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