Community Resources to Help Ease Stress Over the Holidays

By Lin F.

Here  in San Mateo, the United Church of Christ (UCC) Congregational Church of Tilton offered a whole community/ all inclusive prayer and meditation service for people in need of a gathering for help bearing grief issues. It was called “Blue Saturday” and was scheduled a few weeks before Christmas.

The idea for this outreach offering came from other churches nationwide. Attendants commented that this local meeting offered comfort and validation for feelings of loss during a time when mainstream get-togethers usually emphasize good cheer.  

Here are some additional suggestions and resources to offer support–– during the holidays and periods of loss, sadness, or instability:

• Talk to your friends/family
• Talk to your therapist/providers
• Support Groups like NAMI or those offered at BHRS (Behavioral Health & Recovery Services) BHRS San Mateo Mental Health NAMI San Mateo Support ;   
• Kara Grief Support: Provides support for children, teens, families, and adults dealing with loss, offering groups and individual counseling, notes San Mateo County Health and County of San Mateo, CA.
• Mission Hospice & Home Care: Offers free counseling for hospice client families (within CA), grief kits, books, and educational resources
• San Mateo County Crisis Hotline: A 24/7 confidential line operated by StarVista for immediate emotional support
• Sutter Care at Home: Offers bereavement support groups and education to the public, details Network of Care.  
• National & Immediate Helplines
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for immediate support.
  • CalHOPE Warm Line: A peer-run warm line for mental health support.
• Therapists & Treatment Centers
  • Psychology Today & Yelp: Provide directories for local grief counselors and therapists in San Mateo, including specialized services and private practices.
  • Liberty Through Therapy: Offers personalized grief counseling in the San Mateo area for various life changes.  
• How to Find Support:
  • Start with County Health: Check the San Mateo County Health website for directories and resources like Kara.
  • Call a Helpline: Use 988 or the Crisis Text Line for immediate, confidential help: