If you have found yourself in a less-than-festive mood this holiday season, you’re not alone. In Wisconsin, the recent school shooting tragedy in Madison can compound feelings of loneliness and grief that are already common this time of year. Mary Kay Battaglia, who heads the National Alliance on Mental Illness Wisconsin chapter, says seeing others celebrating can also contribute to feelings of stress. NAMI reports three in five Americans feel the holidays negatively impact their mental health. Battaglia encourages people to create what she calls a “mental health toolkit” filled with key supportive contacts, things that bring them joy and an action plan to use during the holidays. Adults are encouraged to pay special attention to the young people in their lives this time of year. State data indicate about one-third of young Wisconsinites report feelings of sadness and hopelessness nearly every day. Battaglia believes it’s another sign that local communities need to focus more on how to help people reconnect in meaningful ways. For those who don’t have friends or family close, Battaglia says the Uplift Wisconsin hotline is open 10 A-M to 10 P-M daily, and anyone can call if they need someone to talk with. And if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call 9-8-8 to reach the national Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
