Tis the Season

Tis the SeasonA Holiday Tool Kit*Safety Features Included1Tis the SeasonHolidays can be filled with family, fun excitement and festive activitiesHolidays can be a time of rest and relaxation from work and hectic schedulesHowever, holidays can also be a time of intense stress or depression

2Keep a Holiday Toolkit!It includesKeeping the focus on family, festivities and funSpending time interacting with your family bySharing meals togetherCooking and baking togetherPlaying interactive family gamesCreating and wrapping gifts togetherSimply spending family time together like going to movies, the mall, the park, etc.Brainstorm your own family activity and create a family tradition

3Keep a Holiday Toolkit!Features just for YOUIt is important that you be in touch with your physical and emotional needsThese features are just for you:Get plenty of well deserved rest during the holidays However dont overdo the sleeping!Monitor your eating habits with well balanced meals Caution! Take it easy on the sweets and treatsSteer clear of drugs and alcohol!Drink plenty of water (H20) Nothing replenishes your body betterBe SAFE! NEVER drive or ride with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs!4Keep a Holiday Toolkit!Final featureIt is important to understand and recognize that while the holidays are joyous, fun, and exciting for some people, it can also be a very sad, lonesome and unfulfilling occasion for othersSadness, depression and suicide can interfere with both adults and teens during the holiday seasonTake care of yourself and those around you if any of the following signs and symptoms apply

510 Warning Signs of Depression and/or SuicideIsolation withdrawal from friends and family; different than spending quiet time aloneRecent loss of a significant relationship relative, friend or petPersonal appearance changes begin to disregard appearance, bathing etc.Hopelessness begin to feel or think things will never get betterImpulsive or risk-taking actions actions that disregard the outcome, dangerous, not safe

610 Warning Signs of Depression and/or Suicide6. Overall change in personality behaving opposite their usual character7. Personal injury cutting or doing other self-harm actions8. Personal possessions giving away prize/favorite items9. Substance abuse person begins to use alcohol/drugs or increases the use of a substance10. Frequently thinking about death or dying

7Keep a Holiday Toolkit!What should I do?Should you, a family member or a friend experience any of the warning signs, remember that HELP is always available:Contact a trusted adult for guidance (your parents and school counselors can be a great resource)Contact a family physicianCall the crisis hot line: (940) 387-5555www.texassuicideprevention.orgOr call your local police

8Tell!If you know about someone wanting to hurt themselves, including you, DONT keep that secret.

Tell somebody now.

Dont keep what could turninto a deadly secret.

9Your Holiday Toolkit was brought to you by

TheDenton High School Counseling Department