Holiday Mental Health Tips, Resources and Low-Cost Activities

The holidays are a busy time, and a little support can go a long way.

In this article, you’ll find resources for local help with food, gifts, and more. We also share holiday mental health tips from our Behavioral Health Medical Director, Tawnya C., M.D., board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist.

And at the end, there are a few ideas for you for free or low-cost holiday activities.

Help with bills, food, and holiday gifts

Preparing for the holidays, managing bills in the winter, planning food, gifts, and everything else – it’s a lot.

There are programs and people who get it and want to help. Here are some places you can find them:

Search and connect to local support like financial assistance, food pantries, holiday gifts, and other community programs with CHPW’s Findhelp resource hub.
Find local food banks. Search based on where you are in the State, or by county for food support near you:
- Western Washington: Food Lifeline
- Eastern Washington: 2^nd Harvest
- All counties in Washington: WA State Department of Agriculture
Get help with heating bills, housing, or food. We have a list of programs and resources for you in another CHPW Connections article: Be Well: Beat high winter heating bills and more.

Try to accept imperfection and let go of the idea that you have to have a ‘perfect’ holiday. Stay true to your values and do what feels right for you.
– Dr. Tawnya C. Behavioral Health Medical Director, CHPW

Holiday mental health reminders

Holidays can bring up feelings of pressure, stress, sadness, or loneliness.

Here are a few strategies from Dr. Tawnya C. to support you mentally and emotionally now and all year.

Set limits. Focus on the things that leave you feeling recharged instead of drained. It’s okay to say no– to requests, to too many activities, or to gatherings that feel like too much.
Remember to take care of yourself. Sleep, fresh air, physical activity, and daylight can help you have energy to manage your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Let yourself feel grief or loneliness. These feelings come up for many people around the holidays. Instead of avoiding thoughts about lost loved ones, take time to celebrate their memory or practice familiar traditions. Observe your feelings and know it’s ok to feel however you feel. Reach out to others for support if you need to.
Practice mindfulness. Take a moment during your day to pause and check in with your mind and body. Do a quick breathing exercise or body scan, or use a mindfulness app.
Connect with your community. Staying in contact with others can boost your mood and reduce stress. Text, call, or visit the people in your life who are important to you. Attend the holiday gatherings or services you are up for. You can also volunteer to connect with people in your community.

If you are a CHPW member, CHPW Virtual Care is available to you at no-cost for talk therapy and other health services by phone or video chat, with appointments in the same week. Many people use talk therapy, even if they don’t have a mental health condition.

Free or low-cost holiday fun

Holiday magic is all around us. And some activities are free! Try something new this year:

Attend a parade. Check your town or city’s website to see what’s happening near you. Parades are always free. Be sure to dress warmly and plan ahead.
Enjoy the decorations and lights. Bundle up and walk around your local city center, or drive through neighborhoods with lots of lights.
Make holiday crafts. Do an online search for simple and fun crafts to do at home with things you have, or can get at a dollar store. Local libraries also host free craft events for adults and kids.

We hope these resources, reminders, and activities will help make your holiday season a little brighter.

If you are a CHPW member and want support, we are here for you. Contact our Customer Service team if you have questions about your health plan or need help getting care. Our Community Health Workers are also here to help you find resources for everyday needs.