HUNTSVILLE, Ala — The holidays are approaching and things won’t look like any year we’ve ever seen. The changes can trigger a number of mental health issues.
According to a study by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), 24% of people with a diagnosed mental illness find that the holidays make their condition “a lot” worse and 40% “somewhat” worse.”
One Huntsville psychotherapist says, the numbers could be even higher this year as people try to cope with all the changes brought by the pandemic. We spoke with Monretta Vega, a counselor and psychotherapist in Huntsville. Vega says, “Not having the opportunity to have our traditional celebrations around the holiday or even see our friends and family like we’re used to and accustomed to-- it can cause some negative feelings associated with possibly feeling alone, feeling isolated, neglected.”
Monretta Vega says to consider doing a Zoom call with family or even a drive-by event. She says, this year, it’s important for us all to be grateful for the small things we have.
Local and national help is for people struggling with mental health issues or who may be contemplating suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, help is available by phone, text, or chat.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255 1-800-273-TALK
Free, confidential crisis counseling 24/7/365. You don’t have to be suicidal to call.
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio 888-628-9454
Veterans Crisis Line 800-273-8255 or text 838255
Options for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing 800-799-4889
Disaster Distress Helpline 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
Crisis Services North Alabama 256-716-1000 or 1-800-691-8426
National Alliance on Mental Illness 800-950-NAMI or text NAMI to 741741
BoysTown National Hotline 800-448-3000 Spanish and 140 other languages available
BoysTown National Hotline TTD 800-448-1833
TrevorLifeline 866-488-7386 staffed 24/7
TrevorChat Click here for online instant messaging with a TrevorChat counselor, 7 days a week, 3pm-10pm EST
TrevorText Text TREVOR to 202-304-1200 7 days a week, 3pm-10pm EST
ImAlive.org 800-SUICIDE or Click here to Chat Now