It’s the holiday season and for some of us it can be a trying time.

ISU Extension Human Science Food and Health Specialist Tom Keinert tells Raccoon Valley Radio a lot of people have that feeling of isolation during the holidays.

“There’s no question that the holidays can be very stressful. A lot of families, either you all are hanging out and there’s conflict or maybe you’re not close to your family. It really can be difficult to get through the holidays. We know that mental health struggles spike during the holiday season.”   

Keinert says the Iowa Concern Hotline is available 24 hours per day and people who want someone to talk with because they are isolated or lonely, or if they need stress management, individuals who are trained in those areas can help for free. The number for the Iowa Concern Hotline is 1-800-447-1985.