Mental Health for the Holidays
Group of teens standing outside together in the fall

Mental Health for the Holidays

For the holiday season, we are offering a special series of mental health workshops for our members, staff, and community.

As the holidays approach, the YMCA is committed to supporting mental wellness for our members, staff, and community. This time of year can bring joy, but also unique challenges. From October through January, we’ll offer a special series of workshops designed to teach coping skills, manage grief, reduce stress, and start the new year with positive mental health strategies.

Workshops will be available both in-person at select YMCA locations and virtually on Zoom, providing flexible options for participation. Join us as we continue to break barriers, normalize mental health, and create space for holistic wellness.

Registration is encouraged, but not required. Open to the public.

Holiday Mental Health Workshop Series

  • Stress Less This Season: A Holiday Mental Health Kickoff—VIRTUAL

    October 29, 12–1pm Virtual—Zoom

    As the holiday season begins, join us for an online session on Managing Stress During the Holidays.  This event will offer practical strategies to help you navigate the stress and pressures that often accompany the holidays. From managing expectations to finding balance amid busy schedules, you'll gain tools to maintain your mental well-being throughout the entire season. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your holiday season with a plan for self-care and stress management!

    Presented by Bridgehaven

    Register for Stress Less This Season

  • Thriving Through the Holidays: Grief Support and Healing Strategies—IN PERSON

    November 14, 6–7pm at Republic Bank Foundation YMCA

    Join us for an in-person session on managing grief through the holiday season. This supportive gathering will offer tools and strategies for navigating feelings of loss during a time that often emphasizes joy and togetherness. We’ll explore ways to honor your grief while also finding moments of peace and connection. Whether your loss is recent or years past, this workshop is designed to help you move through the holidays with more resilience and compassion for yourself.

    Presented by Jenny Martin, Counselor, Hosparus Health

    Register for Thriving Through the Holidays

  • Holiday Harmony: Stress Management Strategies for a Joyful Season—IN PERSON

    November 20, 1:30–2:30pm at Northeast Family YMCA

    Want to learn some effective strategies for managing holiday stress? Join us for an in-person session where we’ll explore practical ways to handle the ups and downs of the holiday season. Let’s come together to discover tools that can help us navigate the often-inevitable challenges of the holiday season. This session will equip you with helpful techniques to stay calm and enjoy the season more fully.

    Presented by Bridgehaven

    Register for Holiday Harmony

  • Holiday Reset: Relax and Recharge with Art—IN PERSON

    December 4, 5–6pm at Southwest Family YMCA

    Feeling the holiday rush? Take a breather and join us for a relaxing in-person art therapy session! Unwind from the seasonal stress while tapping into your creativity and having fun in a supportive atmosphere. Whether you're an artist or a beginner, this session offers a chance to relax, connect, and recharge before the holiday hustle continues. Come take a mindful moment just for you!

    Presented by Bridgehaven

    Register for Holiday Reset

  • Coping with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression during the Holidays—IN PERSON

    December 12, 6–7pm at Floyd County Family YMCA

    Coping with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression During the Holidays is an interactive event that will provide valuable insights and practical tools to navigate the emotional challenges many face during the holiday season. A school-based clinician and an adult therapist will lead the discussion, offering expert advice tailored to both young people and adults. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by family expectations, loneliness, or holiday pressures, this session will help you build resilience and find balance.

    Presented by Wellstone Regional Hospital

    Register for Coping with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression During the Holidays

  • Coping with Grief During the Holidays: Finding Comfort and Strength—VIRTUAL

    December 17, 12–1pm Virtual—Zoom

    Join us for a virtual session on Grief Management During the Holidays, led by an experienced grief counselor. The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those dealing with loss, and this session will offer compassionate support and practical tools to help you cope. Learn how to honor your feelings, navigate holiday traditions, and manage expectations while caring for your emotional well-being.

    Presented by Jenny Martin, Counselor, Hosparus Health

    Register for Coping with Grief During the Holidays

  • Thriving in the New Year: Mental Health Strategies for a Fresh Start—VIRTUAL

    January 8, 12–1pm Virtual—Zoom

    Start the new year with a focus on well-being by joining our virtual session, Thriving in the New Year: Mental Health Strategies for a Fresh Start. This panel discussion, featuring experts from community mental health organizations, will explore practical strategies to help you prioritize your mental health and build resilience in the months ahead. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, develop positive habits, and manage stress as you embrace the new year.

    Presented by:
    Brady Leedy, COO, Bridgehaven
    Jenny Martin, Counselor, Hosparus Health
    Kelley Luckett, Senior Director Community Integrated Health, YMCA of Greater Louisville
    Wellstone Regional Hospital

    Register for Thriving in the New Year

Please Note

The information provided during the Mental Health Holiday Program is intended solely for educational and awareness purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.