Sign In
Skip to Main Content
  • Sacramento County
  • Live/Visit |
  • Business |
  • Government |
  • Search

SACCOUNTY NEWS

  • Twitter - Sacramento County
  • Facebook - Sacramento County
  • Instagram - Sacramento County
  • More News
      • 2023 Stories
      • 2022 Stories
      • 2021 Stories
      • 2020 Stories
      • 2019 Stories
      • 2018 Stories
      • 2017 Stories
      • 2016 Stories
      • 2015 Stories
  • Events
      • Countywide Calendar
      • Sacramento365
  • Photo / Video
      • Video Galleries
      • Photo Galleries
  • Public Information
      • Public Information Office
      • County Press Releases
      • Public Records Act Requests
      • Contact Us

Holiday Blues: Managing Mental Health & Sobriety

11/30/2021
Health & Social Services

Page Image
Woman in a dark room with a Christmas tree in the background
Image Caption
Evernote
 
 

Article Date: Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Page Content
​​For many people, winter holidays are stressful, and holidays during a pandemic can be even more stressful. For individuals who are in recovery from alcohol and other drugs, or who are challenged by mental illness, it can all seem overwhelming.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64 percent of people with mental illness report holidays make their condition worse.

“It’s important to have a plan to address stress and monitor your mental health and substance abuse symptoms,” says Andrew Mendonsa, clinical psychologist and a manager in Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services. “Remember, put your own sobriety, recovery and mental and physical well-being first.” 
 
While some stress may be unavoidable, here are some tips that everyone can use to maintain positive mental health during the holidays.  

Know Your Triggers. For those early in recovery and sobriety, this means not being around alcohol or other drugs or being around places or people where or with whom you used to use or drink. 

For those with mental health issues, be aware of how stress can impact your diagnosis. Are crowds activating for you? Are you hiding your authentic self? If doing something means days and weeks of your life ruined, don’t do it. Set boundaries and stick to them. 

Make Self-Care a Priority. Know your limits and know yourself. If you are not in the right headspace to be around family and friends, kindly excuse yourself. Those that value you the most will understand. 

Exercise or Meditate. Physical activity and meditation can boost your mood in both the long and short term. Stress shows up in your body as well as your mind so give both something else to do.

Address Loneliness. Many people feel lonely around the holidays. It’s helpful to make an effort to call or video chat someone who is important to you. Remember to check in with others through email, text and social media. 

Eat and Drink Healthfully. Eat healthy but allow yourself to splurge a little. And be sure to stay hydrated.

Above all, Mendonsa recommends that you reflect on what matters most to your happiness. 

“Promoting an attitude of gratitude makes all the difference,” Mendonsa says. “Practice generosity and gratitude. Forgive and let go if someone says or does something accidentally. Forgive yourself, too.” 

Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services is available to help during the holidays. If you need substance abuse help, please call (916) 874-9754 and for mental health help please call (916) 875-1055. You can also reach the Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime at (800) 273-TALK. 

Contact Info:

SC Contact Information

​​​LAURIE SLOTHOWER​, SACRAMENTO COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE, 916-874​-8899​

Latest Headlines

  • SacCounty Chargers Celebrate 40 Years
  • May is Wildfire Awareness Month
  • Celebrate Family Health and Fitness Day on June 10
  • Sac County’s Budget Released, Hearings Set
  • County Holiday Office Closure - Monday, May 29

Categories

  • Animals/Pets/Insects
  • Art & Things To Do
  • County Governance, Operations, Policy
  • Economic Development, Community Planning, Agriculture
  • Emergency/Preparedness
  • Green & Technology
  • Health & Social Services
  • Homelessness
  • Law/Justice
  • Media Releases / Advisories
  • Parks/Recreation
  • Taxes & Voting
  • Transportation & Airports
  • Utility & Residential Services

News Archive

  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014

Photo Gallery
Check out our photo galleries showcasing the beauty of Sac County and our work to ensure it.
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Check out our videos about SacCounty Services.
Video Gallery
Sacramento365
A website designed to serve as the all-inclusive arts and entertainment resource for Sacramento County.
Sacramento365
More News
2023 Stories
2022 Stories
2021 Stories
2020 Stories
2019 Stories
2018 Stories
2017 Stories
2016 Stories
2015 Stories
Events
Countywide Calendar
Sacramento365
Galleries
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Public Information
Public Information Office
County Press Releases (2016-2010)
Public Records Act Requests
Contact Us

SACCOUNTY NEWS

Connect with us
Sign-up for news updates
Sign Up >
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Email
  • Sacramento Alert
  • LinkedIn
  • Flickr
  • News
  • Metro Cable
  • Instagram
© Copyright by SACCOUNTY NEWS
Website Policies Use | Contact Us | Report a Problem | Connect with Us | Website Feedback Form
Search