Reaching Out When You’re Having a Blue Holiday Season
Reaching Out When You’re Having a Blue Holiday Season
jessica.geraci Mon, 12/21/2020 – 13:55
By Zachary Usher, Mass Care, VAL and Community Services Branch
Chief
The holiday season is usually a time to reflect on the past year
and enjoy time with loved ones, but this year feels different. A
global pandemic, supply shortages and a record-breaking hurricane
season top the list of reasons why this year will be remembered as
one that impacted and disrupted lives across the world.
For many, this year has brought personal challenges and
hardships: grief of losing a loved one, anxiety from losing a job
or disruptions due to property damage after a disaster. Whether you
faced a hardship in 2020—or 20 months or 20 years ago—the
holiday season can bring unpleasant reminders. Songs, gifts and
holiday parties can trigger painful and sad memories of the
past.
If you are isolating at home, away from loved ones or coworkers,
feelings of seclusion, depression and anxiety can creep in. Other
people cannot see it, but these feelings can be overwhelming. You
might feel alone, but you are not – help is available.
Anyone in the United States and its territories can get help 24
hours a day throughout the year through the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress
Helpline:
- Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (press “2” for Spanish).
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the text
option.
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the text
- For TTY, use your preferred Relay service or dial 7-1-1 and
then 1-800-985-5990.
This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support
service provides trained counselors for those experiencing distress
or other mental health concerns related to any natural or
human-caused disasters and can refer callers to state and community
resources for follow-up care and support. For additional
information on the Disaster Distress Helpline, please visit
the SAMHSA website.
In addition, FEMA’s
Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) helps
individuals and communities recover from the effects of natural or
human-made disasters through short-term intervention that provides
emotional support, basic crisis counseling and connections to
support systems. This program is anonymous and free of charge.
Counselors are available to help people understand their feelings
and learn how to handle stress. They do not make diagnoses or keep
records.
FEMA and SAMHSA award and administer CCP to support those who
are seeking help. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and three
territories received a Major Disaster Declaration for the Crisis
Counseling Program as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic
(COVID-19).
Four territories and 46 states have chosen to apply for the
program and have received awards. It provides no-cost services to
help individuals and communities recover from the psychological
effects of COVID-19 through community-based outreach and
educational services that build resilience. To find out which
programs are available in your community, contact your state or
territory public
health or human service office.
With limited gatherings and social distancing constructs, it is
important to pay attention to how you’re feeling this holiday
season. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out for support. If
you notice a family member or loved one having a difficult time,
encourage them to get help.
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- The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. January 26, 2025The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.