The holidays are warmly regarded as "merry and bright," but they can also bring a lot of winter woes for those experiencing a mental illness. It makes an otherwise happy celebration a lot more complicated. That's where Project UROK steps in.
The mental health organization has been creating a community for people with mental illness since its inception in 2014. In the video above, Project UROK vice president and former "America's Next Top Model Contestant" Sarah Hartshorne details the trials and triumphs of dealing with a mental illness and what you can do to manage it around the holidays. While Hartshorne highlights what to do for Thanksgiving, the tips greatly apply to the rest of the season.
"Don't feel bad for feeling bad," she says in the video. "It doesn't meant you don't love your family. It doesn't mean you don't love your friends. I doesn't mean you don't love cookies. It just means that this time of the year is hard."
Prioritizing mental health isn't just important during the holidays, but throughout the year. Nearly one in four people globally will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lifetime. Many people with mental health disorders avoid seeking treatment because of fear of judgment or shame -- but there's nothing wrong with asking for help.
"Self care is not selfish," Hartshorne says. "You will be okay because you are not alone. You are okay."
You deserve to have a happy (and mentally healthy) holiday.
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