Feeling stressed? Depressed? "Just not yourself?"

Charlie Brown: I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel.

---Quote from “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas” (1965)

This time of year brings stress to many, whether it is trying to find the perfect gift or worrying about how to pay for it, visiting relatives, or just trying to balance holiday parties, kids’ events, and work obligations. If you find yourself in one of those categories, getting more sleep, eating and drinking a bit less and exercising more, setting a budget, and remembering that most people can’t tell a Costco pie from a homemade one can go a long way in reducing our stress and increasing our happiness.

But for others, this season is often a trigger that magnifies isolation and sadness. Trying to squeeze in two or three Christmas dinners with your parents and in-laws can be stressful, but not having any place to go or any one to be with, can be far worse.

If you would like to talk to someone because you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, or maybe you just “aren’t yourself,” NAMI DuPage offers a Living Room program from 3-8 p.m. on weekdays where guests (18 and over) can talk to peer counselors for free. No appointment is necessary—just come to our offices at 115 N. County Farm Rd, Wheaton. For more information on the Living Room and our other programs and services please visit www.namidupage.org or call 630-752-0066. (NAMI DuPage uses a peer model of support and does not provide psychiatric services, medication, or therapy, but will assist guests in locating providers, if requested.)

Geri Kerger, NAMI DuPage Executive Director