Making space for mental health during the holidays
The holidays can bring familiar traditions, time with loved ones, and a break from everyday routines. They can also be a difficult time for young people and families navigating stress, loss, or complicated family relationships. For some young people, school breaks mean less time with friends and trusted adults, while family expectations and holiday responsibilities can add pressure.
At Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC), the Behavioral Health team supports young people and families navigating emotional challenges throughout the year. As the holidays approach, CYC clinicians share ways to care for yourself, support others, and recognize when additional help may be needed.
“We can experience both positive and negative emotions at the same time, and that’s perfectly normal,” says Dr. Mankit Li, CYC Assistant Clinical Director.
Dr. Dennis Chen, CYC Program Director, also recognizes that the holidays can feel different for everyone. Whether someone is spending the season away from family, navigating strained relationships, or experiencing their first holiday without a loved one, there is no single way they should be expected to feel.
Small ways to care for yourself and others
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t always require major changes. Dr. Chen encourages setting realistic expectations, maintaining familiar routines, and recognizing when it’s okay to decline a gathering or activity. Getting enough sleep, making time for rest, and allowing yourself some flexibility can help when holiday schedules become overwhelming.
Ivy Ouyang, a CYC Behavioral Health Clinician, also encourages spending time outdoors when possible. Even a short walk can provide a change of pace. Other forms of self-care might include preparing a comforting meal, connecting with a friend, or making time for a favorite activity.
Supporting someone else can be just as simple. Dr. Chen suggests checking in with a question like, “How have you been feeling lately? I know the holidays can be stressful.” Listening without judgment or pressure to find a solution can help someone feel supported.
Ouyang adds that practical gestures, such as dropping off a meal or helping with an errand, can make a difference when someone is feeling overwhelmed.
June Guam, a CYC Behavioral Health Clinician, reminds us that connection doesn’t always have to involve a serious conversation. Sharing something funny, spending time together, or simply letting someone know you’re thinking of them can be meaningful ways to maintain relationships.
These everyday interactions can help young people and families stay connected, particularly during a season when routines and sources of support may change.
Care that understands the whole person
For many young people and families, seeking mental health support isn’t always straightforward. Language barriers, cultural expectations, and stigma can make it difficult to talk openly about emotional challenges or know where to turn for help.
The Behavioral Health team at CYC recognizes that these barriers can affect whether someone feels comfortable accessing care. Rather than focusing only on an individual’s immediate concerns, clinicians consider the family relationships, cultural experiences, and broader circumstances that may influence their well-being.
This approach is particularly important when traditional clinic-based services may not fully account for a young person’s family environment or language needs. By taking a more holistic, culturally responsive approach, CYC works to make mental health support more approachable and relevant to the communities it serves.
Ouyang explains, “When we understand the broader social context, young people and families can see that their struggles aren’t a sign that something is wrong with them. They may be responding to systems that weren’t built with their needs in mind. That is why culturally responsive care is so important.”
The team provides therapy, assessments, case management, crisis intervention, and school-based care. Clinicians also work with schools and community partners to help young people and families connect with support.
By considering the circumstances surrounding each person, the team works to build trust and help young people and families feel more comfortable discussing their needs.
Finding support when you need it
Mental health challenges don’t follow a schedule, and seeking help doesn’t have to wait until things become overwhelming.
“People don’t have to wait until they’re in crisis to seek support,” Dr. Chen says. “If you’re struggling, or you simply want someone to talk to, that’s reason enough to reach out.”
Young people and families can contact the Behavioral Health team at CYC directly or speak with a school wellness coordinator, social worker, or teacher about connecting with services.
For referrals and case management, contact the On-Duty Intake Counselor at 415-775-2636, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Whether someone is navigating holiday stress, family challenges, or ongoing mental health concerns, having access to care that understands their experiences can make seeking support feel more manageable.
Help keep mental health support within reach
The need for mental health support extends beyond the holiday season. Through culturally responsive services and connections with schools and community partners, CYC helps young people and families access care throughout the year.
This holiday season, your Heart of the Holidays gift can help sustain programs and services that support the well-being of young people and families across San Francisco.
Make a year-end gift to Heart of the Holidays and help keep mental health support within reach for our communities.