While it is famously known as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, it is crucial to acknowledge that not everyone shares this sentiment.  For some, this time of year can evoke challenging emotions that are far from festive. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – While it is famously known as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, it is crucial to acknowledge that not everyone shares this sentiment.  For some, this time of year can evoke challenging emotions that are far from festive. 

As people share the reasons for the season, they should encourage open conversations about the mental challenges that often arise. The South Carolina Department of Mental Health reminds the community that is perfectly fine to admit you are lonely this time of year, sad, or that you are grieving without fear of judgement. Those who struggle with mental health, depression, and isolation may feel particularly vulnerable during the holidays. 

“Losing interest in certain things, wanting to sleep more or sleep less, a change in eating can certainly happen. Noticing their more anxious or agitated sometimes, feelings of guilt can escalate especially during the holidays where there’s the expectations to be doing more social and activities,” said Natalie Guenther, with Intensive Family Services for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

Individuals grappling with depression and loneliness may feel as though they are trapped in a dark abyss, says Guenther. The support of friends and family can make a world of difference by reminding them that they are not alone.

“Sometimes it becomes a really dark room and you can’t find a window or the door to get out and so it can become overwhelming. So I think the best thing that family and friends can be is the support to say ‘I’m standing at the door come see me’ or ‘Let me spend a little time with you’ inorder to show a bit of light,” said Guenther.

Along with all the holiday donations and charitable work, Guenther says remember the gift of checking on a friend. “I think that’s about the best gift we can give at the holidays is to reach out to send a text to someone you haven’t heard from in a while or to the friend who didn’t show up at the Christmas party. Do that extra reach out not only at the holidays but all the year around.”

There is help for those who truly feel like there is no way out and have lost all hope.

“If it does escalate and contributes to more depression or suicidal ideations or thoughts about not wanting to be here, you can always call mobile crisis it i s a 24/7 resource South Carolina of Department of Mental Health offers.”

Resources:

SC Mobile Crisis is available 24/7/365, toll-free, statewide, at (833) 364-2274. Mobile Crisis is for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Local Mobile Crisis
Teams assess the crisis and can respond on-site, with law enforcement, if appropriate.

The Deaf Services Hotline is available 24/7, statewide, at (803) 339-3339 (VP) or [email protected]. This line is dedicated to folks who are deaf or hard of hearing and in crisis or in need of resources. It is also available to contact for hospital consultation, telepsychiatry interpreter requests, and mental health center referrals.

NON-SCDMH CRISIS RESOURCES

988 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) – This line is for anyone in need of crisis help. The Lifeline is available 24/7, toll-free, nationwide, by calling or texting 988. Veterans, press 1 or text 838255. To chat with 988, visit 988lifeline.org and click “Chat”. Español: 988lifeline.org y haga clic “En Español”.

For American Sign Language, visit 988lifeline.org and click “For Deaf & Hard of Hearing.”

Crisis Text Line – The Crisis Text Line is a nationwide resource for anyone in need of crisis assistance but who is not able or ready to call into a resource line. Texts to this line do not use your data or show up on your phone bill. South Carolina has its own code for the line. Reach the Crisis Text Line 24/7, toll-free, by texting “HOPE4SC” to 741741. Español: “AYUDA” to 741741.