Spending the holidays solo?

The holidays can be a time of joy, grief, gathering, and going through it alone. This season can also impact our energy and mood.

Not everyone is able or interested in gathering during the holiday season. Some folks are dealing with complex family dynamics. Others may be working and cannot visit with family and friends. Some have lost loved ones, and “celebrating” doesn’t feel right.

Whatever your situation may be that calls for you to fly solo this holiday season, the Academic and Staff Assistance Program has provided a two-page resource flyer.

Click here for the “How to spend the holidays alone” flyer.

Navigating the holiday season, with or without loved ones

On Nov. 26, a Lunch and Learn focused on “How to navigate the holiday season.”

Sara Aghamohammadi, chief wellness officer, and Carol Kirshnit, director of the Academic and Staff Assistance Program, covered four key areas – setting boundaries, navigating gift-giving, healthy eating tips, and coping with grief – to help people feel more at ease amid the festivities.

Click here to register and view the Nov. 26 Lunch and Learn recording.

Need someone to talk to?

You can schedule an appointment with ASAP by calling (916-734-2727) or sending an email to asaphealth@ucdavis.edu. All UC Davis retirees, staff, faculty members, and their dependents or domestic partners (age 18 and over) can use the service. 

Holiday hours

ASAP will be operating with reduced staffing over the two holiday weeks (Dec. 23 through Jan. 3) and will be closed on the University holidays (Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1). While scheduling routine appointments will not occur during this time, ASAP will continue to respond to urgent requests during the holiday break.

Additional resources

Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic (open 24/7, 365 days a year)
2130 Stockton Blvd, Suite #300
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 520-2460. 
https://www.tpcp.org/program/urgent-care/ 

988 – national mental health hotline (available 24/7, 365 days a year)
https://988lifeline.org/