If you’re struggling, you’re not alone

The holiday season can be a time of joy, family traditions, and celebrating with loved ones. But this is also the second year in a row when festivities might look a little different, or individuals are feeling heightened stress and anxiety about their holiday plans.

If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concerns right now, you are not alone.

According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness, and 64 percent of individuals said the holidays may make their conditions worse.

During this time of the year, individuals could be feeling anxiety from COVID-19, stress from financial pressure, or grief from losing a loved one, just to name a few. No matter how you are feeling this holiday season, know that it’s OK not to be OK. And if you are having difficulty navigating daily life because of mental illness, therapy is a valuable resource.

Across the state, organizations like Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) and many others offer therapy services to children, adults, families, and couples, and many — including LSI — are able to provide therapy virtually.

If you or someone you know could benefit from therapy this holiday season, there are expert therapists ready and available. It’s OK to ask for help.

James Guentherman

VP of Programs and Services

Lutheran Services of Iowa