TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Not everyone sees the holidays as the most wonderful time of year. Some find themselves fighting to put their mental health first.
On average, 211 Big Bend receives 80 calls per day. But during the holiday season, operators can see their calls increase. That increase could vary between 100 to 200 more calls.
Those people are typically trying to cope with the stress and anxiety of the holiday or maybe a loss of a loved one.
211 says many people struggle with being alone during this time. Christopher Tucker says many of them just need to talk.
"'Oh, I really need someone to talk to,' and lots of times they don't want to talk to their family or people their close to," Tucker, the director of communications for 211 Big Bend, explained. "So they think, 'Okay, if I don't know you I'm able to be more open and talk to you about anything,' so we get lots of those calls."
Turner says during this time operators encourage callers to prioritize self care and evaluate their mental state.
211 is open 24/7, 365 days of the year.
Operators cannot provide treatment. Instead, they act as a gateway to get people the help they need.
If you find yourself in need of their services, all you have to do is dial 211.
