As the holiday season peaks, county officials invite Santa Clarita Valley residents to try to remain stress free to help ensure mentally healthy family gatherings.

Many people who have experienced great trauma, such as verbal or emotional abuse, impoverishment or neglect, are often left feeling stressed and vulnerable around this time of year, according to officials from the County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health.

“Discussing the experience of suffering in open ways needs to be encouraged,” said Jonathan Sherin, director of the L.A. County Department of Mental Health. “At the end of the day, what each of us needs, and trauma victims all the more, is a life filled with purposeful, meaningful activity as well as an enduring sense of belonging.”  

While the holidays are meant to be happy, they can also be extremely stressful, said Larry Schallert, assistant director of the Student Health and Wellness and the Mental Health Program, who also wants Santa Clarita residents to accept the idea that some residents may not have happy memories of the holidays.  

“Maybe someone’s family wasn’t the best or there was a loss—for some people it simulates a holiday grieving process or induces stress,” said Schallert. “It’s important to talk to someone if anyone feels that way.”

Schallert also states that while drinking is common during holiday festivities, it’s crucial that those under stress don’t over-drink.

“Over-drinking can cause further family problems or drinking and driving incidents,” said Schallert. “It’s especially important to be mindful of kids when drinking. We may not be watching them when we drink, but they’re watching us.”

Schallert also advises residents to be respectful of everyone’s emotions during the holidays and to find ways to help ease stress.  

“Kids are on break, a lot of us are still working and cleaning to get ready to have family over—it’s stressful,” said Schallert. “It’s important to find ways to help ease any stress by taking it easy or starting new family traditions, and to talk and get help if things get overwhelming.”

Residents are encouraged to call the L.A. County Department of Mental Health’s 24/7 ACCESS Hotline at (800) 854-7771 to get help support during the holidays and year-round.

Anyone seeking information about mental health resources available in the Santa Clarita Valley can click here for a list of resources. There are 24-hour phone numbers available. In the event of an emergency, 911 should always be the first call. Those looking to speak with someone can call:

• 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• 1-800-854-7771 for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
• 661-263-9371 for the Samantha Rocha Dyer (SRD) Foundation Straightening Reins Straightening Reins
• 1-800-784-2433 for the Treatment Advocacy Center
• 661-259-9439 for the SCV Child & Family Center
• 661-257-9688 for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project