It’s the holiday season – city streets are filled with twinkling lights and festive decorations, TV shows share holiday specials, and there’s an endless stream of picture-perfect moments on social media. For some, this time of year feels joyful. For others, it brings financial pressure, grief, loneliness, complicated family relationships, or any number of challenges that make the holidays feel overwhelming – not cheery and bright.
At TIEMH, we recognize that holiday stress affects people of all ages and life-stages. We’ve put together resources and strategies to support you, your friends, your colleagues, your neighbors — whether you’re navigating mid-career changes, loss, loneliness, financial stress, or simply the weight of too many expectations. No matter your circumstances, you deserve support.
This guide includes practical strategies, local and national resources, and holiday-specific supports to help you or someone you know navigate this season with care. Remember: whatever you’re feeling this season, you’re not alone.
Free Mental Health Resources
Finding the right mental health support can feel overwhelming, but these trusted resources can help. Many offer virtual counseling options over the phone, through texting, or online.
Call or text 9-8-8 or chat 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7
A free statewide directory that connects Texans to services they need for mental health, food, housing, holiday meals and more.
Offers online and in-person support groups and educational programs for individuals, families, peers, and caregivers. Many sessions continue through the holidays.
Free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text TX to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a trained Crisis Counselor.
A free, confidential 24/7 hotline supporting youth and others in crisis with referrals, finding a counselor, safe shelter options, legal information, or someone to talk to.
- Hotline (800-989-6884)
- Text service (512-872-5777)
- Online chat
Crisis intervention and mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth. Call, text, or chat with a counselor online if you’re in need of crisis support.
Hogg Foundation for Mental Health (Texas): Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holidays
A practical resource with tips and insights tailored to Texans during the holiday season.
Texas Health: Coping with Loneliness & Stress
A blog with tips and a 24/7 support line for those navigating loneliness or stress this season.
SAMHSA: Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season
National guidance on managing holiday-related stress, grief, and emotional strain.
Strategies to Support Mental Health During the Holidays
Holiday stress affects everyone differently. Signs may include difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, irritability, anxiety, withdrawal, or difficulty focusing. Here are some supportive strategies for people across all life stages.
1. Acknowledge your feelings.
Whether you’re feeling joy, grief, nostalgia, loneliness, stress, or something else, that’s okay. Your feelings are valid and you can sit with that for however long you need.
2. Maintain routines that are grounding.
Keeping to your usual rhythms (mealtimes, sleep/wake patterns, exercise) helps to create stability and make most feel grounded. Do your best to maintain your typical structure.
3. Try small practices to reduce stress.
There are a few accessible ways that can help you reset when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or guided relaxation
- Engage in creative activities like drawing, writing, baking, or crafting.
- Take short walks or spend time outside.
4. Explore free or low-cost community activities.
Many communities offer affordable or free programs for all ages that can bring joy to the season without adding financial strain. Look at your local library for various programs. Also check local flyers and news for community concerts, volunteer opportunities, group walks, or outdoor festivals.
5. Create meaningful holiday traditions on a budget
Traditions don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Do you remember making macaroni ornaments as a kid? Painting macaroni glued to paper is low-cost and fun for kids! Simple crafts, cozy movie nights, sharing gratitude notes, or hosting a potluck are a few ideas.
6. Reach out when you need support.
Connection can make a huge difference. Call a friend or scroll up for resources on support groups or counselors.
Food Assistance and Holiday Gift Programs
The holiday season can be especially difficult for anyone in the community facing food insecurity or financial stress this season. These programs support individuals or families in need.
Food Resources
- Feeding Texas – This statewide network provides access to meals programs, groceries, and produce. Search their network to find a local food bank near you.
- 2-1-1 Texas – Holiday Meal Programs. Search “holiday meals” or text your zip code to for Christmas, Hanukkah, and seasonal meal programs near you.
Gift & Seasonal Support Programs
Gift assistance programs ensure kids and adults get to experience the joy of opening presents during the holiday season.
- Toys for Tots – Holiday gift assistance program for children.
- Salvation Army Angel Tree – Provides Holiday gifts for children, and in some communities, adults and seniors.
- Findhelp.org is a tool that can help you find Holiday Gift programs that are specific to your zipcode! Search “holiday assistance,” “Angel Tree,” “Blue Santa,” or “seasonal programs” by zip code to find programs like Helping Hands Elf Project, Blue Santa, the Angel Tree Program, and more.
- United Way (Local Chapters) – Many chapters maintain seasonal support lists for food, gifts, and emergency assistance.
Remember, You Are Not Alone.
The holiday season can bring unique challenges, but it’s also a time to lean on the support and generosity of your community. Whether you’re seeking assistance with food, gifts, mental-health support, or simply connection and meaning this season — there are resources for everyone in our community. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and it can make a big difference for your wellbeing and those around you.
We hope this guide helps you connect with resources, find moments of peace, and feel the support of your Texas community throughout the holiday season.
Share this information with friends, neighbors, and coworkers!
