As the world chills and the holiday season begins, mental health experts encourage the use of available resources, particularly for those struggling with seasonal affective disorder, anxiety or depression.

"We all assume that holidays are happy times and there's much joy that comes with holidays and coming together and celebrating," said Dr. Debra Pinals, medical director for behavioral health and forensic programs at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

"But there's also an important piece to pay attention to ... some people don't have family connections, some people have lost family members. ... There can be many, many challenges that come with the holiday season."

Holiday stressors can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, gambling, binge drinking and isolating, according to Pinals. Dr. Michael Brashears, executive director for Community Mental Health of Ottawa County in West Michigan, agrees.

"The more one isolates and has experiences of loneliness, the more there's definitely a causal relationship between the holidays exasperating that," Brashears. "It's kind of like fear of being left out on steroids. It just magnifies it."

The best way to prepare for pressures on mental health, Pinals said, is creating a toolbox of coping strategies -- including identifying when to take a break, going on a walk and scheduling plans to provide more structure.

"Another thing that really helps is volunteering and giving to others," Pinals said. "This may be a good time to go through your pantry and get some cans and put them in a can drive or go through your closet and see if there's any old clothes you can donate. Sometimes, an act of giving can actually make us feel better."

There are several resources available statewide, include 988, the suicide and crisis hotline. This 24/7 hotline can be used year-round to connect callers (or texters) to ongoing resources and specific care.

"Communities and families are really important for our well-being and our overall happiness. But sometimes those do come with some complications," Pinals said. "It's important to reach out and seek professional help if you're really struggling with suicidal thoughts."

Other statewide resources include Call 2-1-1, Problem Gambling, Behavioral Health Crisis Services and Veteran Navigators.

"If somebody really is struggling, please call," Brashears said. "You're not alone."

-- Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @cassideykava.