Gov. Evers, First Lady Share Video Message Encouraging Wisconsinites to Take Care of Their Mental Health this Holiday Season

• Spending time with people who care about, love, and support you.
• Avoid overbooking yourself, and do not feel guilty about making time for yourself and your needs.
• Set the boundaries you need to-it's ok to decline invitations, arrive at gatherings late or leave early, and clearly communicate your needs and expectations.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and avoid drinking if you are feeling down.
• Take time to exercise, move, and get outside if you can.
• Make sure you're getting enough sleep and prioritizing rest when needed.

More strategies and tips for staying healthy and resilient this holiday season are available on DHS's website at resilient.wisconsin.gov.

Additional mental health resources are available on the DHS website at:

• Mental Health: Healthy Living
• Resilient Wisconsin
• Crisis Services: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Remember-help and hope are available, and it's ok to ask for help. Wisconsinites can reach out to the governor's office if they are in need of support, shelter, safety, or other critical services, or they can call or text 2-1-1 to get connected to local services in their community including mental health support, help if they are experiencing domestic violence, utility assistance, or help finding a local food pantry. 211 Wisconsin is a free and confidential service that spans across all 72 counties, with regionally based teams that understand the unique needs of each county. Help is available by phone, text, chat, and online guided searches to find the critical services an individual may need.

Additionally, Gov. Evers recognizes that mental and behavioral health challenges impact Wisconsin kids, too. According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, more than half of Wisconsin students reported experiencing anxiety, a third of students reported experiencing depression, and a fifth of students reported nonsuicidal self-harm. The statistics for girls and LGBTQ students were particularly bleak, with girls being twice as likely to harm themselves and 40 percent of LGBTQ youth reporting considering suicide. Families can find helpful resources and mental health tools for kids on the Office of Children's Mental Health website here, including Feelings Thermometers to help kids navigate and explain their emotions, a guide for families on how to access children's mental health services, a guide for how to handle a mental health crisis, as well as phone numbers for support lines for kids, parents, and caregivers, including support lines specifically for LGBTQ youth, kids of color, and more.

The governor and first lady's video message is available here, and a transcript of the video message is available below.

Governor: Hey there, folks. Governor Tony Evers here.

First Lady: And I'm First Lady Kathy Evers. Having open and honest conversations about mental health is so important.

Governor: Especially around the holiday season, which we know can be a difficult time for folks and families across our state.

First Lady: Whether it's financial stress, food insecurity, grief, or feelings of loneliness and isolation, the holidays may be a stressful or difficult time.

Governor: But here in Wisconsin, nobody carries their burdens alone.

First Lady: There are resources available if you or your loved one is struggling.

Governor: You can call or text 2-1-1 to get connected to local services in your community, including mental health support, help if you're experiencing domestic violence, utility assistance, or help finding a local food pantry.

First Lady: You can also find resources and strategies to build your strength and resilience by visiting Resilient.Wisconsin.gov.

Governor: And as always, if you or a loved one is in a crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to anyone who needs it by calling or texting 9-8-8 or by visiting the 988Lifeline.org.

First Lady: Help and hope are always available.

Governor: So, check with the people you care about. Reach out to your friends, loved ones, and neighbors with a call or visit. A little kindness and care can go a long way.

First Lady: Be sure to get plenty of rest, spend some time outside, go for a walk, and take good care.

Governor: And always, always remember that no matter what challenges you're facing, you are not alone, and it's okay to ask for help. Wisconsin, let's take good care of ourselves and each other this holiday season. Take care, and be well, folks.