Mental Health Experts Encourage Coloradans to Reach Out During the Holidays

DENVER, Dec. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For many of us, the holidays are a time of hectic activity, rushed errands and gatherings with friends and family, but for some they can be a time of isolation and depression. If you or someone you know seem to withdraw from others this time of year, West Pines Behavioral Health, a member of the Let's Talk Colorado campaign is encouraging Coloradans to keep the lines of communication open.

"The holidays remind many people of lost loved ones or reinforce their sense of loneliness, which can lead to depression," said Glenn Most, clinical psychologist and executive director of West Pines Behavioral Health. "But reaching out to our friends, neighbors, coworkers or family members who seem isolated is very important. It's an opportunity for them, and for you, to maintain a balanced state of mental health."

If you or someone you care about feels unhappy this time of year, communicating with others is an important way to help you both feel better. Here are a few things you can do:

• Don't ignore it. Trust your instincts and take the first step of reaching out if you suspect someone you know is hurting.
• Open the lines of communication. Meet them for coffee, or call, text or email them and ask for a reply.
• Offer help, but respect their wishes. Some people may have specific needs while others may wish to be left alone. The important thing is to listen and be there for them.
• Refer them to the Let's Talk Colorado website: http://letstalkco.org. The site offers a wealth of mental health resources, tips, and information on how to preserve our mental health.

"It's important to keep the lines of communication open all through the year, it just seems a little harder to do during the holiday season," Most said. "But making that time reminds the people we care about that they matter to us. It makes an immeasurable difference."

If you or another individual need immediate support, contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK(8255). The agency has trained counselors available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to work with persons in crisis and those supporting them.

To learn more about West Pines Behavioral Health, visit: https://www.westpinesrecovery.org.

Contact:
Tom Skelley
Evolution Communications
303.356.6926
[email protected]

SOURCE Let’s Talk Colorado

Related Links

http://letstalkco.org