For many people, the holidays are a time to look forward to. But this isn’t always the case. For some people, the holidays can be an emotionally exhausting and difficult time. Feeling depressed during the holidays is a real but treatable concern. There are several private therapists in our area, and Western Community Health Resources provides services at no cost for those who meet the criteria.
Christmas is a time to be surrounded by family or loved ones. For those who have experienced a death in the family or a major health crisis, the holidays can be heartbreaking. Or there could be a family conflict that’s been going on for a while. Christmas can be difficult for those who live alone or have no family in the area. Their loneliness can be overwhelming.
People are often busier during the holiday season with work and personal obligations, which can lead to more stress. We may be more likely to compare ourselves to others during this time of year. We often have unrealistic expectations about how special a gift, a visit, or a party is going to be, and we feel let down later. Alcohol is a part of many celebrations, and that is a depressant.
Some people, 6% of the population, experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of clinical depression. It’s known to be linked with changes in light, so it’s more common in northern climates. People who don’t normally struggle with depression can also have issues because less daylight can impact our body’s rhythms.
Christmas can be a financially stressful time. We feel obligated to buy the gifts our loved ones want, even if we cannot afford them. We might get invited to numerous events and holiday parties. Our families want us to travel. And charities all ask for year-end donations.
Western Community Health Resources (WCHR) at 619 Box Butte in Alliance has a Behavioral Health division. One of the programs they offer is Emergency Community Support, designed for individuals over age 19 who identify as being in crisis related to mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
WCHR allows consumers to lead, control, exercise choice over, and determine their own path of recovery by optimizing independence and control of resources to achieve a self-determined life.
The individual will receive resources, information and assistance related to:
1. Promoting recovery
2. Promoting meaningful community participation
3. Resolving crises and promote stabilization
4. Promoting successful transition and tenure in the community
5. Preventing future need for higher levels of care
WCHR’s Emergency Community Support (ECS) program is funded through the Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health. Consumers are not charged any fees for this program.
To be admitted to the ECS Program, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Age 19 years or older (Potential exception for 18 years old)
2. Reside within the Panhandle area of Nebraska
3. Person identified as being in crisis related to mental health and/or substance abuse issues
4. May be voluntary or as a result of Emergency Protective Custody or Mental Health Board Commitment
5. Person desiring to improve their quality of life
Services are provided for the consumer in the consumers’ home or place of choice. Normal appointment hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In case of an emergency, when a consumer thinks that he/she may be about to hurt him/herself or someone else, a crisis number is given and a Service Coordinator will respond.
Any individual can refer themselves or refer another person. The Human Services Manager contacts all individuals referred within seven business days of receiving the referral. Services are provided in Dawes, Sheridan, Sioux and Box Butte Counties. Call 308-747-2402 or 800-717-1231 if you are interested in the program.
During the stressful holiday season, be sure to take care of your mental health!