We are excited to share with you messages that uplift during the holidays.

The Launch of the 25 Days of Hope

We at The Cook Center for Human Connection are launching 25 Days of Hope–which will bring forward a daily challenge to help people share their joy, love, compassion, and connection this Christmas season!

Each day on our social channels—Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn– we will be posting a prompt that can bring hope, joy, love, compassion, and greater connection to individuals, families, and communities this Christmas.

What can you do to Help? Please do the following:

Participate – Take part in the daily challenge
Follow Cook Center for Human Connection Social Accounts – Facebook – Instagram – LinkedIn
Share on Social – Please post, comment, and share with others and spread the joy this can bring to other families this holiday season
Have a Great Christmas Season!

Holiday Blues and Impact on Mental Health

While the holiday season is an incredible time of the year – for many people the holiday season brings on the ‘Holiday Blues.’ The holidays beam a spotlight on everything that is difficult about living with mental health challenges.

The pressure to be joyful and social is heightened.

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make their condition worse.

NAMI also found that:

75% of overall respondents reported that the holidays contribute to feeling sad or dissatisfied
68% financially strained
66% have experienced loneliness
63% too much pressure
57% unrealistic expectations
55% found themselves remembering happier times in the past contrasting with the present
50% were unable to be with loved ones

“What the survey shows is a tremendous need for people to reach out and watch out for each other in keeping with the spirit of the season,”

– Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Officer of NAMI

Human Connection Brings Hope

This year the Cook Center for Human Connection is launching The 25 Days of Hope, a campaign to bring forward a daily challenge to help people share their joy, love, compassion, and connection this Christmas season!

Please join us, participate, and share to bring hope and happiness to yourself and others this Christmas Season.