I have never forgotten what my father told me as a little girl, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Joseph P. Kennedy's quote certainly comes to mind when we are all struggling with the economy and the many challenges presented to us today.

Mental Health America of Licking County has been here for 55 years responding to community needs. We want to continue to assist people whether it is with depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, connecting with friends and family, preventing suicide, child abuse or violence, getting kids into a safe haven after school, educating about mental health conditions, where to get help, or advocating for individuals or families.

This website is full of useful information. We also have real people that will answer the phone to assist you. We often have answers to your tough questions too!

You are always welcome to call me at 522-1341, or send an email to paddykutz@alink.com.

Welcome to MHALC and let us know how we can be helpful to you!

Beating the Post-Holiday Blues

by Paddy Kutz, Executive Director, Mental Health America of Licking County

Once the flurry of holiday activities comes to an end, the friends and family have returned home, and we must resume our daily routine, we may experience post holiday sadness which sometimes turns into depression.

We feel the loss of increased support we received from family and friends throughout the season. We are no longer caught up in getting a million and one things done, so we need to find things to look forward to in the upcoming winter days. All those warm feelings and the excitement of the holidays are gone. Add to that the shorter days and long cold nights…….well, you get the picture; it can be tough to handle. So here are things we can do to ward off or cope with these post “holiday hazards.”

• Make plans for a weekend trip or special evening outing.
• Invite friends for dinner (a pot-luck carry in works well) or an evening of games.
• Visit a shut-in or someone in a nursing home - it will brighten your day and theirs.
• Invite your spouse/significant other out for a “date” and let him or her choose the activities for the evening.
• Plan a special activity to do with your children, they miss the hustle & bustle too.
• Spend some time with family members reflecting on the holidays.
• Start a new activity. Is there something you have always wanted to do but have never gotten around to learning how to do? If so, see if there are any community courses you can enroll in to learn this new skill.
• The day the holiday decorations are packed away, get fresh flowers for the house. It helps to brighten your home and your spirits.
• Take time to write thank you notes to those you visited or to those who visited you. Thank them for sharing their time with you (and for gifts, if appropriate).
• Make sure the lighting in your home is cheerful. Fluorescent lights can help compensate for the lack of exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun.
• Bundle up real warm and take a walk. Exercise changes your brain chemistry in a positive way, so never give up being active.
• Volunteer. Part of what we love about the holidays is the feeling of goodwill. Spread a little goodwill throughout the year by volunteering. MHA uses volunteers and so do other agencies, schools or organizations.

Again, the possibilities are endless. It is still a matter of attitude and mindset. Make up your mind not to let the post “holiday blues” get a grip on you and your life. The successful mindset for a happy life requires flexibility and a willingness to break out of old patterns to find new, more satisfying ones. Combined with a little planning and positive thinking, you will be on your way to a healthier life.

If you find yourself still feeling down and depressed, see your family doctor. Call me at 522-1341 or email me: paddykutz@alink.com for information and/or a referral. Check  Live Your Life Well for other good mental health tips.