Never be afraid to say, ‘I need some help’

Thanksgiving to the end of the year is a fun time for many people–family gatherings, social happenings, and wonderment. But for many, it isn’t easy.

Any factors could be the culprit for holiday blues: financial pressure, commitments, unrealistic expectations, fatigue, stress, over-commercialization, and inability to be with one’s family and friends.

Any or all of the following could be symptoms of holiday depression: headaches, excessing drinking, over or under-eating, insomnia, irritability, isolation, missing work, sleeping for long hours, communicating less, or behaving in ways that are different and unusual for any particular person.

Contact your friends, family, and co-workers if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Support is vital in regaining your sense of well-being. Also, take care of yourself; eat well, get enough sleep, and schedule time for relaxation.

Mental Health counseling can also be beneficial. Following is an alphabetized list of local mental health providers. Save the list for yourself and share it with others. Never be afraid to say, “I need some help.”

Centennial Mental Health

Calls are answered during business hours and transferred after hours to an emergency # —either way, a person will answer calls 24/7.

211 W. Main, Sterling 970) 522-4392

118 W. Third, Julesburg 970-474-3769

871 E. 1st, Akron 970-345-2254

215 S. Ash, Yuma 970-848-5412

821 E. Railroad Ave., Fort Morgan 970-867-4924

115 N. Campbell, Holyoke 970-854-2114

365 W. 2nd Ave., Wray 970-332-3133

Clarity & Solutions Counseling 303-915-4253

Renee Ruhlman

423 Main Street, Suite I, Wray

Infinite Perspectives Wellness Center 970-425-3972

Jessica Harder

118 Main Street, Suite 201, Sterling

Karin Gertner 970-867-8986

324 E. Railroad Ave., Suite 500, Fort Morgan

New Pathways to Wellness & Recovery (Two Sterling locations)

216 N. 3rd Street, Sterling: Substance abuse, DUI classes 970-526-6577

740 W. Broadway, Sterling: Mental Health counseling & mentoring for children 970-526-6578

Newstart Therapy

Marta Wells, MA, LPC (970) 768-5426

228 S. 3rd Street, Sterling, CO

281 Adams Ave, Akron., CO

Specializes in children, teens, and families – Certified in EMDR trauma recovery

Northeastern Junior College Student Success Center (970) 521-6663

Hayes Student Center #104

General student advising, mental health counseling referral, Tele-health, and student support for all NJC students.

RE-1 Valley School District

School-based services are available for all students. Contact the Social Emotional Learning Specialist in each building if your child has concerning behavior.

Anita Scarbrough (Ayres) 970-522-1409

Catherine Engelken (Ayres) 970-522-1409

Kaitlynn Prelle-(Campbell ) 970-522-2514

Ryan Einspahr- (SMS) 970-522-1041

Chelsey Lehmkuhl (SHS) 970-522-2944

Jamie Johnstone (Caliche) 970-522-8330

Timmarie Orin – Social Worker 970-466-0521 or 970-522-0792

Shari Remmenga – School Psychologist [email protected]

Janine Balenti – Student Achievement Coach 970-520-8783

Cindy Reyes – Family Community Advocate 970-466-9368

Rhino Wellness Center 970-522-0796

Chris Swenson LMFT

118 Main Street, Suite 203, Sterling

Anita Scarbrough, MA 970-526-2861

228 S. 3rd Street, Sterling, CO

Christian counseling for children and adults

Karen Silersweig 970-848-4603

1000 W. 8th Ave, Yuma

UCHealth Primary Care—Integrated Behavioral Health 970-522-7266

Dianna Haas, LPC

620 Iris Drive, Sterling, CO 80751

I apologize if I inadvertently excluded anyone. My purpose is to inform you of counseling services available in Sterling and surrounding areas. Counseling is available if you only need a little boost or have accumulated struggles.

The hardest step is making the call. Life, including holidays, can be difficult. Remember, never be afraid to say, “I need some help.”

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.