SC agencies unite to offer mental health support during holiday season stress
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South Carolina Department of Public Health
Photo: South Carolina Department of Public Health
(WCIV) — The SC Department of Public Health has partnered with the SC Department of Mental Health and the SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services to emphasize the importance of mental health care during the holiday season.
They state that while the holidays are a time for joy, family and celebration, for some the season could create feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. These conflicting feelings can reportedly cause a deterioration of mental health and an increase in substance abuse.
“It cannot be lost on us that when we report the numbers of deaths related to mental health and substance use, we are reporting on the loss of people who were fathers, mothers, sons and daughters,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH Interim Director in a prepared statement. “Along with our partners, we want to ensure that all South Carolinians know that there are resources available to help you during the holiday season and throughout the year. You are not alone, and help is available.”
For individuals struggling with mental health issues during and outside of the holiday season, SCDMH offers a variety of resources.
Hopeful Minds is one of the free online resources that brings together expert rated and vetted videos, podcasts, apps, online programs, books and articles for individuals struggling with mental health.
Another resource can be found through the SCDMH’s partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
They provide an online Interactive Screening Program which operates as a safe service that allows users to anonymously take a Self-Check Questionnaire and connect with a professional counselor in South Carolina.
This service is available to all residents of South Carolina 18 years of age and older and can be found here.
For those under 18, SCDMH and the SC Department of Child Advocacy have partnered to provide Hope Connects SC Kids, a free service that allows parents and guardians to anonymously take a self-check questionnaire on behalf of their child.
Also available is a 24/7/365 Local Mobile Crisis Line and a National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Additionally, the DPH is advertising the availability of their Overdose Safety Kits, which are available at health departments across the state.
Each Safety Kit contains two doses of the opioid-antidote medication naloxone, five fentanyl test strips, five xylazine test strips, educational materials on how to use everything included and guidance for how to identify an opioid overdose.
“While the holidays are certainly a time of family and closeness for many, we must remember that many of us experience them very differently,” said Dr. Robert Bank, SCDMH Acting State Director. “Whether it’s economic pressures, family and social obligations, or feeling overwhelmed, it can be a challenging time. Please remember the most important gift you can give yourselves and those who love you is taking care of your health – both physical and mental.”
