Get support for the holiday season

By Carson J. Blomquist

OptumCare

The holidays are usually a time of happiness and fun, but this year has been more challenging. Whether you are changing plans to visit loved ones or are facing a quiet season ahead, the holidays aren’t going to be the same this year.

“A lot of people are alone during the holiday season, this year in particular,” Roneet Cooper, a social worker at Monarch HealthCare. She and fellow social worker Denise Perez will lead a virtual series to help people manage feelings of loneliness and isolation during the holidays. The Holiday Support Group starts on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. and continues weekly until Dec. 23.

“There are a lot of tough emotions to process this year, so we’re bringing people together in a safe space to learn how to stay mentally and physically healthy,” Perez said. “During our series, we’ll go over a lot of ways you can stay upbeat.”

From the holiday blues to meditation, from staying social to selfcare, the series offers participants plenty to discover from Cooper and Perez, as well as one another.

“We want this to be engaging and educational,” Cooper said. “We’ll be sharing lots of information on things you can do, like exercise and meditation, but we also want participants to share their thoughts with us. There’s so much we can learn from each other!”

“Definitely! We’re all in these unusual times together,” Perez agreed. “While we may not be able to spend time with each other in person, so let’s make the most of our virtual time to lift each other up and stay positive.”

To sign up for the Holiday Support Group, email Perez at Dperez@mhealth.com or Cooper at Rcooper@mhealth.com by Sunday, Nov. 8.