Need a helping hand for the holidays? Now is a great time to connect with a professional.

The holidays are here, and it may not be the most wonderful time of the year for many among us. Stress and grief can present challenges, but the support of caring professionals can make a difference this year.

“The holidays for many individuals struggling with behavioral health serve as reminders of losses, not just deaths, but relationships and a sense of connectedness,” said Rosecrance Central Illinois Clinical Services Director Dave Kellerhals, LCPC. “That can make it tough to lean on healthy coping skills through the season.”

Whether someone is working through grief or wanting to enjoy the holidays sober for the first time, it is important to be honest about life being different this year. With that honesty comes the knowledge that it is OK to not be OK, and the freedom to seek out the support of friends who understand your journey.

The holidays also are a great time to consider professional help. Whether you or a loved one need a caring shoulder to walk through a tough time, a check-in with an expert to refresh frayed coping skills, or a longer-term residential environment, Rosecrance has a robust continuum of care to meet your needs. There are options for residential care, recovery living settings, virtual services, and outpatient treatment, including specialized groups.

“Therapy gives a safe place to share and a connectedness where you can hear others’ struggles and speak with a trained professional who can help sort through your own struggles,” Kellerhals said. “It’s an opportunity to start fresh with the new year ahead. Rosecrance offers an array of complementary services to ensure that you are not alone, no matter where you are on the journey.”