Gov. Evers, First Lady: Share a video message encouraging Wisconsinites to take care of their mental health this holiday season.

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers, along with First Lady Kathy Evers, today shared a video message to encourage Wisconsinites to take care of their mental, emotional and physical health this holiday season, emphasizing the importance of check on loved ones and neighbors, and make sure people have the tools and tips to take care of themselves.

While the holidays can be an exciting time to celebrate and be happy, the holidays can also mean more stress, tension, feelings of loneliness or stress. No matter what someone is going through or going through here in Wisconsin, no one carries their burdens alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.

If you or someone you know is in imminent danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. If you are having thoughts of killing or harming yourself, call your county’s emergency number or 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Anyone who needs support can call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at all hours of the day or night to talk to a trained counselor about any problem or issue. This service is free and confidential.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is not the only resource available to Wisconsinites in their time of need. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends a variety of ways to help individuals and families take care of their mental health during the holidays, including:

• Spending time with people who care, love and support you.
• Avoid signing up, and don’t feel guilty about taking time to be with yourself and your needs.
• Set the boundaries you need—it’s okay to decline invitations, show up late or leave early, and be clear about your needs and expectations.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and avoid drinking if you’re feeling depressed.
• Make time to exercise, move, and get outside if you can.
• Make sure you get enough sleep and prioritize rest when needed.

Additional strategies and tips for staying healthy and resilient this holiday season are available on the DHS website at resilient.wisconsin.gov.

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

Remember—help and hope are out there, and it’s okay to ask for help. Wisconsinites can contact the governor’s office if they need support, shelter, safety, or other essential services, or they can call or text 2-1-1 to connect to local services. in their community including mental health support, help if they are experiencing domestic violence, assistance, or help finding a place to eat. 211 Wisconsin is a free and confidential service that covers all 72 states, with community-based teams that understand the unique needs of each state. Help is available via phone, text, chat, and online guided searches to find the essential services a person may need.

In addition, Gov. Evers notes that mental health and behavioral problems are affecting Wisconsin’s children as well. 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 self-harm not suicidal. Statistics for girls and LGBTQ students were even bleaker, with girls twice as likely to self-harm and 40 percent of LGBTQ youth reporting suicidal thoughts. Families can find helpful resources and mental health resources for children on the Office of Children’s Mental Health website here, including Feelings Thermometers to help children navigate and express their feelings, guidance for families about how to access children’s mental health services, how-to guides. dealing with mental health issues, as well as phone numbers for support lines for children, parents and caregivers, including special support lines for LGBTQ youth, children of color, and more.

A video message from the governor and first lady is available here, and a transcript of the video message is available below.

Governor: Hello, people. Governor Tony Evers here.

First Lady: And this is First Lady Kathy Evers. Having open and honest conversations about mental health is very important.

Governor: Especially during the holiday season, which we know can be a difficult time for people and families across our country.

First Lady: Whether it’s financial stress, food shortages, sadness, or feelings of loneliness and isolation, the holidays can 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 a loved one is struggling.

Governor: You can call or text 2-1-1 to be connected to local services in your area, including mental health support, help if you’re experiencing domestic violence, utility assistance, or assistance with local food supply.

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

Governor: As always, if you or a loved one is in 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 988Lifeline.org.

First Lady: Help and hope are always there.

Governor: So, ask the people you care about. Reach out to your friends, loved ones and neighbors by phone or visit. Kindness and a little care can go a long way.

First Lady: Make sure you get plenty of rest, spend some time outside, walk around, and take good care of yourself.

Governor: And always, remember that no matter what problems you are facing, you are not alone and it is okay to ask for help. In Wisconsin, let’s take care of ourselves and each other this holiday season. Take care and get well, people.