Protecting your mental and emotional health during Christmastime and the holidays

WSIL -- Local mental health experts say checking in with yourself is always��important, but even more so around the holidays from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year's Eve.

"I think that's more common than we think," says Brittany McCrady, Clinical Manager of Outpatient Services at Centerstone when asked about feelings of sadness during the holidays. "I��think there are a lot of folks who really struggle around this time."

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The National Alliance on Mental Health says 60% of people with mental illness say their condition gets worse around the holidays. It can be anything from being stressed about money to feeling lonely and isolated and withdrawn.

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Those feelings are the ones mental health experts say you have to be on the lookout��for, especially if you're turning to drugs or alcohol to cope.

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Mental health professionals say one of the best things you can do is to reach out to ask for help. That can be anything from talking to a friend to calling a local doctor's office or calling or texting a 24/7 crisis hotline like 988.

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"Our mental and emotional health affects all the other aspects of our wellness," says McCrady. "Every piece of our well being is all intertwined. If we're not doing well mentally and emotionally, how is that going to affect our physical health? How is that going to affect how we're showing up for our family?"

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The Marion VA says taking care of your mental health is as important as checking your blood pressure. Not addressing your mental health can lead to more problems down the road.

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"It won't necessarily take away all loneliness because loneliness is sometimes an internal sense of being and we can work on that," says Dr. Lorianne Schmider, Local Recovery Coordinator for the VA.

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"The self-stigma is pretty significant and sometimes that slows people down in getting the help that they need," says Sandra Call, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Marion VA. "We're here for them. We're part of the team that helps them and I'm very proud to be part of that team."

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It's okay not to be okay. You're not alone if you're feeling said or isolated this Christmas.

Below are a list of national and local phone numbers you can call or text for help. Many of them are 24/7 so they will be available Christmas Day:

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Centerstone Mental Health & Addiction Services:

Centerstone’s main phone number: 877-HOPE123
Centerstone’s website:
Centerstone’s 24-hour crisis services line for Illinois residents: 855-608-3560
Illinois Warm Line: 866-359-7953

Marion VA:

Main phone: (618) 997-5311
Mental Health Care: (618) 997-5311 ext.54410

National Hotlines:

Call/text 24/7 hotline: 988
Options available for hearing impaired, dial: 711 then 988
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 1 (800) 662-HELP(4357)

If you are having a mental health emergency please call 911 or go to your local ER. Emergency staff are trained in responding to mental health crises.