505-470-8573 Office
DOH provides tips and resources for managing mental health during the holiday season
SANTA FE — The Department of Health (DOH) encourages residents to take charge of their mental health this holiday season and offers some suggestions as this time of year can be stressful for many people.
“Holidays are stressful for almost all of us, so it’s important for us to acknowledge how we feel and get the help we need, before the additional stress creates further mental or medical suffering,” said Acting Department of Health Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase M.D. “There are lots of great, simple ways to reduce stress this time of year.”
When we are stressed, we know it. Among symptoms listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are tension, irritability, fear, anxiety, anger, nightmares, crying, headaches, body aches and more. Holiday Stress is reported more often by women because women tend to take on the greater burden of holiday tasks. Most importantly, DOH wants you to know you are not alone.
The New Mexico Department of Health offers the following tips for improving mental health this holiday season:
- Acknowledge your feelings. It is okay to feel stressed but keeping it inside often leads to more stress.
- Find support. When stressed, it is important to have an outlet for your feelings whether that be a partner, friend, neighbor, or faith member.
- Stick to an exercise routine. The holidays are busy, but it is still important to follow a schedule and exercise is a great stress-reliever.
- Set a budget and stick to it. If you can’t afford gifts for everyone, find other ways to give such as baking or giving your time.
- Avoid drugs or alcohol. Many times, this will only add stress to your holidays. And if you are drinking alcohol this holiday season, make sure you have a designated driver.
- Give back to your community. Volunteering in our local communities can reduce stress and make great connections.
There are several resources that individuals struggling with mental health can access such as:
- Call 988: The 24/7 lifeline for emotional, mental, or substance misuse support.
- The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (1-855-662-7474) provides support 24/7.
- The Agora Crisis Center has a help line (1-855-505-4505) and offers an online chat option from 6 a.m. to midnight.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453.
- National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
- Your faith-based leader, your healthcare professional, or student health center on campus.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Trevor Dermody at 505-470-8573 (Office) with your questions.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.