How to be Mentally Healthy During the Holidays

Mental Health America of Spartanburg County and the 2023 Educational Series host for September…”How to be Mentally Healthy During the Holidays” presented by Jessica Lyles, LISW-CP.

Overall Purpose

By the end of this one-hour workshop, participants should have a clearer understanding of their own mental health needs during the holidays and feel equipped with practical skills to navigate the season while prioritizing their well-being.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to…

  1. Understand Holiday Stress: Participants will be able to identify common stressors associated with the holiday season and recognize how these stressors can impact their mental well-being
  2. Develop Self-Awareness: Participants will gain insights into their emotional and mental states during the holiday period, learning to recognize signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
  3. Practice Mindfulness Techniques: Attendees will be introduced to basic mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and grounding exercises, to help manage stress and stay present during the holiday season.
  4. Set Realistic Expectations: Participants will learn the importance of setting achievable expectations for themselves during the holidays, reducing the pressure to meet unrealistic standards.
  5. Set Effective Boundaries: Attendees will acquire skills to establish healthy boundaries with family, friends, and work commitments, promoting a balanced and manageable holiday experience.
  6. Use Coping Strategies: Participants will explore a variety of coping strategies to deal with holiday stress, including healthy communication, time management, and engaging in self-care activities.
  7. Prioritize Self-Care: Participants will understand the importance of self-care practices for maintaining their mental health during the holiday season, and they will be introduced to practical self-care ideas.
  8. Address Loneliness: Participants will explore ways to manage feelings of loneliness that can intensify during the holiday season, including connecting with others, volunteering, or engaging in activities that bring joy.

Meet Our Expert Presenter
Jessica Lyles, LISW-CP

Jessica is a self-directed and goal oriented Licensed Independent Social Worker with accomplishments in mental healthcare, case management, crisis management and substance use treatment. She has been described as a motivator, advisor and therapeutic guider in an effort to manage the wellbeing of each individual she encounter.s

She has successfully held clinical and leadership positions by implementing her organizational, problem solving and communication skills with an added focus on commercial needs.

Jessica finds joy in helping people reach their FULL potential by not only setting goals but achieving realistic goals while managing their mental health! She also finds joy in reducing stigma and increasing mental health awareness within the African American community, so much so that she has developed a private Facebook group for black women focusing on mental health.

Webinar Recording
Upcoming Events
Educational Series

We are offering hybrid sessions for our 2023 educational series! With our new hybrid model, we are offering event registration through Eventbrite.

This is our last Educational Series Session of 2023! It will be offered virtually. 

You can find brief descriptions about each event and register ahead of time by clicking “Register here.”

More information about this session is coming soon!