It’s the holiday season – city streets are filled with twinkling lights and festive decorations, TV shows share holiday specials, and social media can make you think that every house is decking their halls. For many, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but that’s not the case for everyone. It can be a time of pressure for those in financial hardships, sadness for those who have lost someone, anxiety for people with tenuous family relationships, or any number of challenges that don’t make the holidays feel cheery and bright.
Texas System of Care recognizes that the holidays can be stressful for families and caregivers, so we put together resources and strategies to support parents, guardians, and caregivers during this season. In our blog you’ll find virtual counseling options to support your mental health or your children’s mental health, food assistance programs during the holidays, and gift giving programs for kids. Remember, no matter what you’re feeling this season that you’re not alone.
Free Mental Health Resources for Parents and Guardians
Finding the right mental health support can feel overwhelming, but there are resources available to Texas families. Many of the resources have virtual counseling options over the phone, through texting, or online.
- Texas 2-1-1 is a free resource that connects Texas citizens to services they need for food, health, housing, and more over the phone or online.
- NAMI Texas offers online and local support groups and educational programs for parents navigating mental health challenges with their children.
- Texas Youth Helpline provides free and confidential services to youth, their parents, and other family members of youth in crisis who need help finding a counselor, safe shelter, legal information, other local referral information, or just someone to talk to. Hotline (800-989-6884), text service (512-872-5777) and online chat at Texas Youth are available 24/7 for youth to discuss problems and find resources and services.
- The Trevor Project specializes in crisis intervention and mental health resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Call, text, or chat with a counselor online if you’re in need of crisis support.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call or text 9-8-8 or chat 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7
- Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text TX to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a trained Crisis Counselor.
Ways You Can Support Adolescents’ Mental Health
Changing routines around the holidays or financial pressures can create stress for parents or guardians and kids. As a parent or caregiver you can look for signs of holiday-related stress in kids like difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, irritability, or withdrawing from activities they usually enjoy.
To help mitigate holiday stress, there are a few things you can do.
1. Give your child tools to work through holiday stress.
Sometimes stress is unavoidable, but we can try different practices to help reduce stress. You can practice mindfulness exercises with your kids like deep breathing or guided relaxation, or engage them in creative activities like drawing or making holiday crafts.
2. Maintain a normal routine over the holidays.
Changes in routine can be hard on parents and kids. Even with kids on winter breaks, do your best to keep your typical structure like planning meal times around when they would eat in school. Predictability helps!
3. Look for affordable or free community activities.
Many communities offer affordable or free programs that can bring joy to the season without adding financial strain. Look at library schedules for storytimes or holiday events, or check local parks for free outdoor activities or light displays!
4. Create holiday traditions on a budget
Do you remember making macaroni ornaments as a kid? Painting macaroni glued to paper is low-cost and fun for kids! Creating fun decorations in your home doesn’t have to break the bank, and it creates beautiful memories. You can also have your kids write Holiday Cards or bring everyone together with a family movie night.
For more ways to support your child’s mental health during the holidays, the Child Mind Institute created a list of strategies to help families of children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other challenges sidestep common sources of stress. Read the article here.
If you are struggling with your mental health, read SAMHSA’s strategies to support your mental health this holiday season.
Food Assistance and Holiday Gift Programs
The holiday season can be especially difficult for families facing food insecurity, but Texas offers a range of resources to help.
- Feeding Texas is a statewide network of food banks that provides access to meals and groceries through local food pantries and community programs. Search their network to find a local food bank near you.
- 2-1-1 Texas is a quick way to find food assistance programs in your area, including holiday-specific meals. For Christmas meals, you can search their website here, or text the number with your zipcode.
- For families seeking holiday gifts for their children, programs like Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army Angel Tree ensure kids get to experience the joy of opening presents during the holiday season. Search for the Salvation Army Angel Tree near you.
- Findhelp.org is a tool that can help you find Holiday Gift programs that are specific to your zipcode! Find programs like Helping Hands Elf Project, Blue Santa, the Angel Tree Program, and more.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
The holiday season can bring unique challenges, but it’s also a time to lean on the support and generosity of your community. Whether you need assistance with food, gifts, or mental health support, there are resources that can help. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and it can make a big difference for you and your family. By connecting with these programs and organizations, you’re taking an important step toward creating a positive and meaningful holiday season. We hope that you find these resources valuable and that you can enjoy the holiday season.
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