The holidays can be a tough time for many.
Pathstone Mental Health is closed to in-person Mental Health Walk-In clinics, affecting 10 locations in all. The closure will run through to Tuesday, January 2nd.
Officials say during this time, those in need of mental health support up to age 18 can contact our Pathstone team through our Crisis & Support Line which operates 24/7 even through the Holidays at 1-800-263-4944.
To help with family mental wellness this holiday season, Pathstone Mental Health has provided the following tips that may help lessen the stress over the next few weeks:
1. Keep the lines of communication with your children and youth open. Make time to check in with how they are feeling and doing over the holiday period. A little one-on-one time with them can make a big difference in helping them open up and cope.
2. Make sure everyone is eating and sleeping, especially your younger children. Try not to vary too widely from meal times and sleeping routines. This may not be plausible all the time, but do your best. For teenagers, try to ensure they go to sleep and wake up at reasonable hours. While not a school day, sleeping until 2 pm and going to bed at 3 am isn’t recommended.
3. Create and manage realistic expectations. You may need to make some adjustments to your schedules and activities to support your children and youth. Not every gathering, event or activity will work well. Do what is best for your family.
4. Be open to negotiate with your youth. One hour with extended family may be manageable whereas a five-hour visit is too much and can be overwhelming.
5. Maintain healthy boundaries for yourself. It is ok to say no without guilt. Say yes when you want to, not out of obligation or to please others. Take care of your own physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
6. Know your local resources in case you or your youth need mental health support.
✓ Pathstone Mental Health: Crisis Services is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.
✓ 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: If you or someone you know if thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8.
