Coping with the Winter Blues during the Holiday Season

The winter season can bring emotional challenges for many people, with some experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) while others face the stress and emotional toll of the holiday season. Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) aims to help individuals recognize and cope with both SAD and depression during the holidays.

Recognizing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a form of depression triggered by reduced sunlight. According to the American Psychiatric Association, its symptoms closely mirror those of depression, including:

  • Low mood and energy
  • Fatigue
  • Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Cravings for carbohydrates and subsequent weight gain

“Many of us have days that we don’t feel like ourselves, and sometimes the winter months can enhance those feelings,” said Janet Brus, RN, program director for Senior Life Solutions at MRHC. “Be aware of how you are feeling. If you normally get up and perform your daily activities and instead find yourself staying in bed longer, not getting dressed, or avoiding activities, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder.”

Brus recommends staying active, reading, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking professional support if symptoms persist.

Understanding Holiday-Related Depression
While the holiday season is often filled with celebrations, emotional distress during this time is frequently linked to increased stress and elevated expectations. Some individuals may face grief, financial strain, loneliness, or pressure to “make the holidays perfect.”

“The holidays can be both joyful and emotionally challenging,” said MRHC Mental Health Therapist Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC. “It’s important to use coping skills and lean on support to address difficult feelings before they get worse. The holidays are meant to bring us together and remind us of who we can trust.”

Practical Tips to Manage Holiday Stress and Depression
  • Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid pressure to create a perfect holiday. Focus on meaningful moments rather than perfection.
  • Maintain Routines: Stick to regular sleep, meals, and exercise routines, especially for children.
  • Establish Boundaries: Say no when needed to avoid burnout from over-commitment.
  • Engage in Self-Care: Dedicate time for relaxation and activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with Others: Combat loneliness by reaching out to friends, family, or support groups.
  • Manage Finances: Stick to a holiday budget and consider thoughtful, low-cost gifts.

While adults may typically feel the weight of the holiday stress, children can be affected too. Parents can support their child’s emotional well-being by keeping consistent routines, limiting screen time, and encouraging meaningful conversations.

“This is a great time to connect with your children and build a close relationship,” said MRHC Mental Health Therapist Hollie Schechinger, LISW. “Talk with your kids about their day during a fun activity where they can open up and not feel like they are being questioned. Most importantly, have fun with your kids!”

When to Seek Help
If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress persist and interfere with your daily routine, it is important to seek professional help. If you or your child is struggling with depression or anxiety, contact your primary care provider for an evaluation. MRHC also provides mental health services to support individuals of all ages:

Counseling Services in person or virtually for individuals 12 and older. Call (712) 655-2072 to schedule an appointment.

Play Therapy to support children five and older. Call (712) 655-2072 to schedule an appointment.

Senior Life Solutions for individuals 65+ struggling with anxiety, depression, or life transitions. Call (712) 655-8262.

The Recovery Center provides residential and outpatient treatment. Call (712) 655-2300 for help.

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or call or text 988 for confidential, 24/7 support.

MRHC Welcomes Mental Health Therapist, Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany JohnsonManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to welcome Mental Health Therapist, Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC, as the newest addition to the mental health team starting in September. With a strong background in community service, a passion for helping others, and specialized training, Tiffany brings a compassionate and insightful approach to supporting the mental health needs of all ages.

“Bringing Tiffany on board is a great step in expanding mental health support at MRHC,” said CEO Shannon Black. “Having an additional therapist available helps ensure that more individuals and families in our area can access the counseling services they need, when they need them most.”

Tiffany’s professional experience includes years of ministry and youth counseling at Trinity Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church. It was during this time that she became deeply aware of the growing mental health crisis, especially among adolescents. That awareness ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

“I believe mental health care is essential for everyone,” Tiffany shared. “We have seen a spike in mental illness since the pandemic, and there is such a need for counselors at the moment. I believe coping mechanisms need to be learned more broadly and that there should never be a stigma surrounding mental health. In so many ways, mental illness is much like a physical illness; however, it needs to be talked about more.”

Counseling Services

Tiffany is trained in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and SMART Stepfamily Therapy. She has a particular interest in grief counseling, helping those impacted by spiritual abuse, and is committed to tailoring therapy methods to each client’s individual needs. While she will work with individuals of all ages, Tiffany brings valuable experience working with pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults.

In her new role at MRHC, Tiffany is excited to continue her mission of serving her neighbors with professional, empathetic care.

“My goal has always been to work in my community and serve the people I know and care about,” Tiffany said. “I want to be able to professionally help those in my community and the surrounding areas, as mental health not only affects the individual, but the entire community. My late husband and I served these communities in the best way we knew how. Now, my ability to serve just looks a little different.”

Tiffany is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University-Irvine and is set to graduate in August 2025. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies.

Tiffany will begin seeing patients in September. To schedule an appointment or learn more about mental health services at MRHC, please call 712-655-2072.

MRHC Welcomes Maribeth Christensen as Senior Life Solutions Therapist

Maribeth Christensen

Maribeth ChristensenManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to welcome Maribeth Christensen, BSW, MA, MSW, LMSW, CADC, as the therapist for the Senior Life Solutions program. With a rich background in mental health and social work, Christensen brings a wealth of experience and compassion to the role as she provides care and support to seniors in the Manning community.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Christensen earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Arts, and Master of Social Work degrees before beginning her career providing group, individual, and family therapy at a women’s center, supporting clients dealing with domestic violence, trauma, and addiction. She later led programs for victims and vulnerable persons.

Christensen moved to Manning with her husband in 2022. Since arriving in Iowa, she has served as a mental health therapist and clinical director at St. Gregory’s Recovery Center in Bayard and held leadership roles at Ivory Plains Recovery Center in Adair. Most recently, she worked as the Senior Life Solutions Therapist at CHI in Corning before the opportunity arose to work locally in Manning.

“While I loved the role and my patients, my heart was in Manning,” Christensen shared. “I’m excited to continue working with the Senior Life Solutions program and in my ‘adopted hometown’, giving back directly to the community that has been so welcoming of me and my family.”

At MRHC, Christensen provides individual and group therapy to older adults through the Senior Life Solutions program. Group sessions are held up to three days per week, where participants receive education on topics like depression, anxiety, and grief, as well as evidence-based coping strategies. She also provides individual therapy sessions for a more personalized and in-depth opportunity for healing. Family therapy is also available based on the needs or desires of the individual.

“Mental health is such an important part of overall health,” said Christensen. “Your mental health has the potential to not only improve your physical health, but also your overall quality of life. Having been in mental health recovery myself for over 20 years, I truly believe in prioritizing your mental health and caring for yourself in order to care for others and live a healthy life.”

Seniors, providers, or concerned family members noticing signs of withdrawal, mood changes, or difficulty with daily activities are encouraged to contact Senior Life Solutions. While reaching out can be difficult, especially due to stigma or the symptoms themselves, Christensen emphasizes that support is available and effective. To learn more or make a referral, call (712) 655-8262. Family members, physicians, or other health professionals can refer individuals to the Senior Life Solutions program.

About Senior Life Solutions

MRHC’s Senior Life Solutions program is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults over the age of 65 struggling with depression and anxiety, often related to aging. The program can be helpful for those who have recently experienced a traumatic event or lost a spouse or close family member and have noticed physical and mental effects like changes in appetite, no energy, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in activities, or intense feelings of sadness and grief.