Beating the holiday blues

Holidays feel overwhelming? Support is available, said state officials. “The holiday season can bring about a range of feelings and experiences – some of which can be difficult or feel isolating. Please know that if you are going through hard times or find this time of year to be challenging, you are not alone,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie A.

Arkoosh. “No matter what you are feeling or struggling with, you don’t have to go through this time on your own. Support is available, and we urge Pennsylvanians to use these resources for themselves or share them with loved ones or friends.



” Mental Health Resources People struggling with their mental health or considering self-harm, have difficulty with other behavioral needs, or who are looking to help a loved one, can call or text 988 to reach the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline The Lifeline is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 988 is a direct link for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Anyone who calls, texts, or chats with 988 will be connected immediately to mental health crisis response counselors.

Callers also can connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or receive assistance in Spanish. Pennsylvania’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Resource guides offer information related to mental health screenings, help with finding a mental health or SUD treatment professional, resources for housing insecurity, help with trauma, and assistance with contacting your county assistance office and drug and alcohol office, and applying for benefits. Substance Use Disorder Resources People seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

The confidential hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is staffed by trained professionals who will connect callers to resources in their community. Callers can also be connected with funding if they need help paying for treatment. Treatment Atlas (treatmentatlas.

org) also is available for Pennsylvanians and their loved ones to search for and compare substance use disorder treatment facilities based on criteria such as location, services offered, and insurance accepted. “While the holidays are usually filled with celebrations, gatherings and cherished times with family and friends, the very same things can be overwhelming and triggering for those who are battling a substance use disorder. We want everyone to know that no one is alone.

Help is always available,” said state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus. “DDAP’s Get Help Now resource is just one phone call away. It’s open every hour of every day; someone will always be on the end of the other line – including on holidays.

” Naloxone Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioids during an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and restoring breathing. Pennsylvanians can obtain naloxone at their local pharmacy by using the secretary of Health’s standing order (found on PA.gov) or can get it mailed to their home through NEXT Distro.

Residents can also get naloxone mailed to their home when completing a short training through a partnership with Next DISTRO. Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen encouraged people to be vigilant for signs that someone may need a helping hand or a listening ear during the holiday season.

“Another way to help neighbors and loved ones who may be struggling with substance use disorder is by carrying naloxone...

because you never know when you will have the opportunity to save a life,” said Bogen. Resources for Older Adults. The Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resource Centers (the PA Link) assists older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing information and connecting them to supports, including assistive technology to access telehealth services, check-in calls and options to help reduce social isolation.

Any older adult needing support can contact the PA Link Call Center at 1-800-753-8827 or go online to www.carelink.pa.

gov. In addition, Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), covering the state’s 67 counties, provide virtual and in-person activities, including health and wellness programs. “The holiday season comes with expectations of joy and happiness, but not everyone’s experience is the same.

Older adults may have feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, or disconnect if they experienced the loss of friends and loved ones or feel a lack of belongingness,” said Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich. “If any older adult is struggling, we want them to know they are not alone, and that the Department of Aging and AAAs have resources to support them. These resources range from engaging with a caring voice on the other end of a phone call to gathering safely with like-minded individuals for socializing and participating in activities.

I encourage any older adult who may need support to please reach out to us.” DHS and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging also want families who find themselves caring for children who lost parents or whose parents are not able to be their primary caregiver to know that help is available via the KinConnector helpline. The helpline is staffed by Kinship Navigators who are prepared to help families locate, understand, and access resources that can help them during the holiday season.

Contact KinConnector at 1-866-546-2111 or online at kidconnector.org. Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs has resources developed by self-advocates to provide helpful tips and suggestions for people with intellectual disabilities and autism to manage stress during the holidays.

These tips include: Being aware of potential sensory issues and trying to explain them to other people so they can assist if you’re feeling overstimulated Talking to a trusted friend or family member about expectations for gatherings Using coping skills and having an exit plan if you need to excuse yourself Making sure you have a safe, comfortable place when you come home to decompress Understanding self-care and knowing what works best for you in holiday situations. Additional information and resources can be found at www.myodp.

org or www.paautism.org.

Public Assistance Programs DHS encourages Pennsylvanians having trouble meeting basic needs to apply for programs such as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, and other programs that can help them stay healthy and safe through the winter months. People can apply at any time through compass.dhs.

pa.gov..