The most “wonderful time of the year” is not so wonderful for many Minnesotans.
According to a survey from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 3 in 5 Americans say their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays. The pressure for things to be "perfect," financial strain, and reminders of loss can make this time of year incredibly difficult, challenging the myth that everyone is cheerful.
“We see a lot of grief and loss,” said Dr. Michael Thomas, behavioral health director at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, which serves North Minneapolis and surrounding communities. “Financial struggles, employment struggles, food insecurity, housing insecurity, these all get compounded when we’d like to think this should be the happiest time.”
In fact, it’s the opposite for those with a mental health disorder, as 64% say the holidays make their condition worse. That’s why NorthPoint Health & Wellness is spreading the word about its walk-in clinics for mental health.
“The pilot program started in July, and not only is word of mouth spreading, but already 400 people have come in,” said Carmita McGlory, senior psychiatric social worker, NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center.
NorthPoint, with locations in Minneapolis and a main campus in Plymouth, was founded in 1968 with a mission to increase access to health care and social services in a community that today is primarily Black, according to an estimate from Northside Achievement Zone, which shows 78% Black or African American residents, 9% Hispanic/Latino, and 4% multi-racial.
Increasing access to mental health services is a key mission for NorthPoint.
“Now, Monday through Friday, folks can simply walk in during certain hours and not just get connected for initial intake, but get the entire assessment, which is really your ticket to get into therapy,” Thomas said.
Additionally, services are not reserved for Minneapolis residents only.
“Anybody can walk in from the community,” McGlory added. Now, with the holidays, immediate access truly is a gift.
Thomas offered a few additional tips for Minnesotans already feeling their merry and bright fading fast.
Breathe
“When we’re stressed, for some reason, we start holding our breath,” Thomas said. He emphasized how important it is to breathe in and out, no matter how cliché it may sound.
Focus on what you can control
Thomas explained that, especially during the holidays, there are so many things we cannot control, and there is power in letting those things go.
Have an exit strategy
“If there is drinking or drugging going on, figure out what your exit plan is,” Thomas explained. He said you do not need to stay if activities or interactions are threatening your emotional well-being.
Identify your supports
“Who are those people we need to make sure we do spend time with during the holidays?” Thomas asked. He said identify those healthy relationships to help build you up when you feel down.
Behavioral health is just one of the offerings at NorthPoint, which also includes physical wellness, dental care, and health and human services. Over the past several years, NorthPoint has undergone a multimillion-dollar expansion to meet the needs of the more than 30,000 residents it serves annually. The former 67,000 square foot facility was expanded to 135,000 square feet and now includes expanded food shelf distribution, child wellness and spiritual wellness centers, new dental specialty services, a grab-and-go café, teaching kitchen, and community courtyard, among other physical and program updates, all designed to integrate health and human services to address all aspect of the community’s health and wellbeing.