1,472
Obion County Prevention Coalition
This project is funded under a grant contract with The State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health
We're beyond jazzed that Northwest TSPN teamed up with Vantage Coffee for a year-end bash, and we're even more psyched that they're our first coffee shop participant in Cups of Hope, a far-out initiative where we adorned their coffee sleeves with uplifting messages and resources to spread some cheer in Obion County.
Our Hillcrest Youth Coalition Christmas meeting last week was a huge success! Chase filled the youth in on Healthy Choices and Mental Health, and Micah reminded them to tell their families to safely dispose of unused medications.
Remember that students already struggling with mental health and substance misuse are already in crisis, and the holidays can make that crisis even worse.![]()
![]()
For students during the holidays, it's a simple formula at its core. Quality rest and healthy, engaged family time provide the balance and grounding they crave, even though they'll push hard against it. Being alone can make them try harder to get closer to friends and unhealthy activities, even if it's not what they truly want. Don't shame and pressure them for that behavior; instead, try to provide engagement opportunities they can't resist.
Consistently ask them broad questions and attentively absorb their answers. For instance, you might inquire, "How have you been feeling?" or "What is it like to be back home?" You could also ask, "Are you feeling refreshed?" and "How can we assist in making your holiday more enjoyable?"![]()
![]()
If they express exhaustion, follow up by asking what they need to feel revitalized. If they reveal they’re having a tough time, see if they require support, such as counseling. Essentially, keep the conversation going with open-ended questions that align with their responses.💛
While friendships are significant, family often holds greater importance. It's crucial to focus on nurturing quality family interactions through healthy, alcohol-free activities. Young individuals frequently express a yearning for such meaningful time together, though they may not vocalize it. We must be proactive in fostering these experiences—be it through taking a walk, cooking together, decorating for the holidays, or engaging in shared hobbies like shopping or playing outside.![]()
![]()
It's also vital to remember that during the holiday season, teenagers and college students may be more inclined to experiment with substances or escalate their use, typically in social settings with friends away from home.🏠