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During the holiday season, checking in on your loved ones can be a small gesture that goes a long way. 

While many of us were cheerful to break in the holiday season on Thanksgiving, for some, the holidays can be a lonely and stressful time of year.  

Karen Petersen with Wellstone in Huntsville says mental illness and substance abuse does not take a break over the holidays. 

The National Alliance of Mental Illness says 64 percent of people living with a mental illness felt their conditions worsened around the holidays. 

A new study done in 2023 by Addiction Treatment Magazine found that 1 in 3 Alabamians face mental health issues. 

Petersen says, if you don’t struggle with mental illness, chances are you know someone who does. 

The holidays affect everyone differently, and Petersen says sometimes it's hard to tell when even a loved one is going through something. 

“For some people, the holidays are hard. They’re with families that maybe have disagreements or bring back some bad memories,� Petersen said. “The holidays aren’t all bright and cheery, not for everyone.� 

Petersen says even people who are surrounded by family can feel alone around the holidays. 

Petersen says she’ll never forget the first Christmas after her dad passed away. 

“My husband and I went to church and we were in a big church full of all kinds of people, and I felt so alone,� Petersen said. 

She says if you're struggling, the best thing you can do is talk about it with someone. 

Petersen says looking out for the people around you can make a world of a difference.

“We can all take care of our neighbors, our colleagues, our even a more distant family member, or church member and just check on them,� Petersen continued. "[Ask] ‘How are you? How are you really?’ And just make sure that you know when you’re out and about you don’t know what somebody’s going through,� Petersen said. 

“Somebody may have a big old smile on their face but inside they’re going through something really really sad and dark,� Petersen said. 

Petersen says there are resources right here in North Alabama that can be utilized 365 days a year. 

“When there’s nowhere else to turn, we want people to turn to Wellstone, we’re here for them,� Petersen said. 

If you or someone you know finds themselves in crisis, you can dial 988 for the suicide and crisis hotline or contact directly.