Mental health experts encourage open mental health conversations during holidays
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — The holiday season brings celebrations and time together, but it can also negatively impact mental health. Some turn to alcohol and other substances in what could be the loneliest time of year for them.
That’s why theSouth Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD)is encouraging people to check in with loved ones on their mental health and have open conversations with them during the holidays. Michelle Nienhius, manager for prevention and intervention services at the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health with theOffice of Substance Use Services (OSUS), said looking out for people you care about is one of the best gifts you can give this holiday season.
It’s important to remember that changes in mental health can lead to alcohol and other substance misuse, and they are often more present in social settings during the holidays. Nienhius said conversations with loved ones about these concerns can start light-hearted, such as talking about TV shows they are watching or music they like, then lead into more serious conversations about mental health or increased alcohol or substance use. “There are people there to help when conversations reach a place where you don’t know what to say, know that there is people you can reach out to to help your loved one,” Nienhius said.
Nienhius said it’s important that those conversations are not lectures and lead with facts and genuine care for loved ones. Connecting those struggling with mental health with resources and people who are trained is another way to help.
There is a 24/7 hotline to support South Carolinians’ mental health year-round. South Carolina Mobile Crisis (833-364-2274) allows clinicians to assess crises and respond on-site, with law enforcement, when appropriate.
To learn more about these and other mental health resources, visithere. Hopeful Mindsoffers a free web platform for South Carolinians that includes mental wellness videos, podcasts, books and articles.
For those hosting holiday gatherings, state officials urge loved ones to talk openly about safe transportation, plans for getting home, and how to handle situations where alcohol or other substances may be involved. Holiday parties and gatherings can come with added pressure for people in recovery.
Having non-alcoholic options at get-togethers can relieve some of that stress. Planning can also reduce risks, like using ride-share services or having a designated driver chosen before the gathering even begins.
Tips for how to talk comfortably about these situations are availablehere. Due to the holidays potentially impacting mental health and leading to an increase in substance use, theSouth Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH)is highlighting the availability ofOverdose (OD) Safety Kitsat health departments located throughout the state.
Each OD Safety Kit available atDPH health departmentscontains two doses of the opioid-antidote medication naloxone, five fentanyl test strips, five xylazine test strips and educational materials on how to use everything included. It also teaches about the signs of overdose.
It’s important to remember overdose can happen accidentally. “Children, if medication is not stored properly, can come into contact with loved ones’ medication. Maybe it’s left in a medicine cabinet or something like that.
So having naloxone on hand for dealing with any type of accidental overdose is also really important,” Nienhius said. The naloxone in the kits is a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
To learn more about the OD Safety Kits at a DPH health department, head to theDPH website. The kits are free, and those inquiring do not have to answer any questions.
Naloxone and fentanyl test strips are also available from OSUS-designated Community Distributors across the state. To locate a Community Distributor near you, visitjustplainkillers.com.
For information about other statewide resources, visithere. Copyright 2025 WCSC.
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