PENSACOLA, Fla. — For many people, the holidays are a time of year when they feel happy.
For others, the season can instead be a dark time.
Mental health experts say these are trying times for everyone. We can all agree that we feel some stress as the holidays approach.
For some people, the extra stress can make it difficult to maintain sobriety. Holidays can be tough.
“Whether it’s mental health issues or substance abuse issues, this is a stressful time of the year and sometimes being with family can be a trigger for those who are suffering and can be difficult to cope with. “It can happen,” said Rachel Burns of the Escalosa Suicide Prevention Coalition. He said.
Burns said his partners at the Escalosa Suicide Prevention Coalition expect more people to seek help.
Pensacola Police say the number of calls increases during this time of year.
“Everyone deals with stress differently, sometimes with drugs, sometimes with alcohol, sometimes with both, but our biggest concern is not to want people to hurt themselves.” Mike Wood of the Pensacola Police Department said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an increase in drug and alcohol-related deaths in December and January.
Burns says it’s difficult to deal with loneliness during the holidays.
“Sometimes people are trying to fill a gap. They feel lonely, they need something, but they don’t really know how to fill that gap, so they turn to substances,” Burns said.
Burns says check in with each other, use resources like therapy or 12-step programs, and set boundaries.
“Make a plan, avoid places and people that are likely to trigger you, and continue to practice healthy self-care that you know works for you, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthy.” Please,” Burns said.
If you need help finding mental health resources, WEAR News provides the links below.
