Where to turn when the holidays get stressful

By Molly Roberts
Posted 12/3/21

The holidays are wonderful, but they can also be stressful. Sometimes finances or family or having to organize get togethers can cause more stress and anxiety as the year winds down. Sometimes it can …

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Where to turn when the holidays get stressful

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The holidays are wonderful, but they can also be stressful. Sometimes finances or family or having to organize get togethers can cause more stress and anxiety as the year winds down. Sometimes it can feel wrong to be feeling bad when the season is full of so much joy and festivity and it can be hard to find somewhere to turn.

It’s always good to lean on your family, friends and loved ones during this time. Be honest with them about how you’re feeling, regardless of how you think you should be feeling. Don’t be afraid to tell your loved ones that you’re struggling with stress or anxiety. After all, they love and care about you. Sometimes something as simple as a hug can make a huge difference when you’re feeling down or meeting a friend for a cup of coffee and a good chat. Or maybe you need more help than that — that’s OK, too and your support system can help you take the first steps toward visiting a doctor or counselor.

But if you feel like you can’t open up to anyone around you, don’t worry. There are other options. Iowa has Your Life Iowa, a 24/7 crisis support line that you can call at 1-855-581-8111 or text at 1-855-895-8398. There is also the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or you can text 741741 for help.

Sometimes people feel like they need to be in a major, earth-shattering crisis to reach out to these hotlines, but that’s not true. The trained volunteers are there to help you with any level of crisis or stress you may be having. Sometimes just talking to a sympathetic listener can make all the difference when you’re feeling down and overwhelmed. Reaching out and talking to someone, even for just a few minutes, can stop the situation from snowballing and becoming more intense and scary, too. The person on the other end of the phone or chat will not judge you — they want to help you feel better.

The bottom line is, if you’re not feeling mentally well this season, don’t be afraid to reach out — to anyone you trust, or even to a stranger on the phone. The holidays are stressful, but the stress will pass and there are places you can turn to for help.