Safe and Drug Free Schools / Coping resources

Resources for Students and Parents

Although meant to be a time of happiness and enjoyment, holiday celebrations can sometimes be stressful. During the holidays, incidents of depression increase in adults as well as in teens. Family gatherings are often tension-filled and unmet expectations can cause conflict both within ourselves and with others. In addition, many people neglect themselves during the holiday season, spending time instead on selecting that "perfect" gift or making a meal that Martha Stewart would exclaim over. It's important to have realistic expectations, take care of yourself and to be aware of how those around us are coping with the holiday season.

Here are some links to resources that may be useful:

Depression

Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress and Depression
Battling Depression: Hope for the Holidays

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Factsheet: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Suicide

Helping Children Cope
Save a Friend: Tips for Teens
Warning Signs of Youth Violence (Against Self)

Resiliency

Building Resiliency: Helping Children Learn to Weather Tough Times

Stress

Stress due to economic times
Warning Signs of Stress (.pdf)
Identifying Signs of Stress in Your Children and Teens (.pdf)
Holiday Stress: How to Stay Calm During the Mad Scramble of the Holidays

Grief and Death

Coping with the Death of a Coworker
Factsheet: Coping with Bereavement