Holiday Season Tips & Supports
December 14th, 2022
A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF EQUITY ADVANCEMENT
The holiday season can be a joyous time for many, but for some, it can be a time of great stress. This time of year, we see the effects of the holiday season combined with the economic squeeze on many parents/caregivers and families. All of the added activities and excitement can influence you and your family in different ways and may cause a myriad of emotions. Whether you feel excited, nervous, anxious, stressed (or all of the above) about the holiday season, you are not alone. However you and your family choose to spend this season it is important to remember to spend time caring for yourself. This may look different for each of us; whether it is time to yourself, time with loved ones, practicing gratitude or any other way you may choose, please be sure to be gentle to yourself and to those around you.
Parent/Caregiver Tips for the Holidays
1. Reflect on what is important to you during the holidays. Thinking about what you want for this holiday season will help you to be more intentional about who you would like to spend time with and how you would like to spend your time.
2. Focus on what you can control. It is OK if you feel anxious or stressed. Focus on the things within your control ( your thoughts, things you are able to plan and prepare for) to care for your physical and mental health.
3. Keep healthy habits. It’s important to keep healthy habits in place no matter your holiday plans. This may include going on a daily walk, getting a good night’s rest or making sure to stay hydrated.
4. Make time for yourself. Spending time with family or friends can be overwhelming. If you need a moment to yourself, try sneaking away to a quiet room or enjoying a cup of coffee or tea to yourself.
5. Create new traditions. Create new traditions that work for you and your family and prioritize your wellbeing.
6. Ask for help if you need it. If you are feeling sad, stressed, anxious or depressed, ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, a mental health professional, or a primary care physician for guidance and support.
Mental Health Resources
Mental health includes our psychological, emotional and social well-being and impacts how we feel, think and behave each day. Mental health is vital to living a balanced life; it is important to remember that mental health is health and is just as important as our physical health.
Access the resources below if you find yourself in need of support:
Mobile Crisis (Child): 211
Mobile Crisis (Adult): 860-297-0999
National Suicide Prevention Line: 988
Warmline: Warmlines are phone numbers people can call when they need someone to talk to or to just be there, whether they are experiencing a crisis or not.
REACH Warmline: (CHR) Manchester, CT 1-866-927-6225 6pm - 10pm; 7 days per week
Common Thread Warmline: (River Valley Services) Middletown, CT 1-800-316-9145 2pm - 9 pm; 7 days per week
Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership Warmline: (ctbhp.com) 877-552-8247 9 am – 5 pm; Monday - Friday
Utility Supports
If you are in need of assistance with utility supports connect with 211 or
Operation Fuel’s utility assistance: For assistance, please call 860-243-2345.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Food Programs and Supports
Please reach out to 211 if you are in need of locating a Holiday meal
Additional Food Supports:
Foodshare: local mobile locations that provide fresh produce and other foods at various times. ID is not required. Anyone is eligible, but bring your own bags.
See Mobile FoodShare Around West Hartford
West Hartford Food Pantry: Curbside Food Bag Distribution. Located at West Hartford Town Hall 50 S. Main Street
Any Questions Call (860) 561-7580, (860) 561-7569 or (860) 561-7564
JANUARY FAMILY CONNECTIONS EVENT
Creating a Safe Space for You, Your Family, and Recovery
Thursday, January 5th, 1:30 pm (Virtually)
More details and free registration linked HERE
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Hosted by the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, “Family Connections” is a virtual community for parents and caregivers who support loved ones facing substance use and/or mental health challenges. Families tell us they need credible resources, guidance on accessing help, and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges. Monthly gatherings will focus on a specific topic, provide tips and tools, and offer the opportunity to network with other families. Family Connections takes place the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 p.m. ET*.
Description:
Whether you are managing mental health and/or substance use challenges in your family, it’s important to have a safe space where everyone feels free to connect. Learn how to keep those channels open in a way that supports everyone’s needs and strengthens relationships.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn about creating a safe environment for family communication that is psychologically and emotionally safe, mutually respectful, supportive and inclusive.
- We'll earn about what caregiver/parental rights change when your child turns 18, including protected records such as medical, financial, and academic information.
- Acceptance Factor: Learn active listening skills for creating a safe space, and model it for your family members. Active listening involves seeking to understand and accepting their perspective.
Guest Speaker:
- Tawanna Jackson, Founder, Recovery Warriorz, Atlanta, GA
Roszena Haskins, Ed.D, Executive Director of Equity Advancement
roszena_haskins@whps.org/ 860--561-6906
Shaena Gray, LCSW, Family Services Social Worker
shaena_gray@whps.org/ 860-561-6650