State Agencies Promote Mental Health Support During Holidays

The SC Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Mental Health (SCDMH), and Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) are urging South Carolinians to prioritize mental health during the holiday season. Stress, loneliness, and anxiety can increase substance use, but resources are available. SCDMH offers 24/7 crisis support via SC Mobile Crisis at (833) 364-2274 and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Tools like Hopeful Minds and Hope Connects SC Kids provide online mental health assessments and counseling connections. DAODAS encourages open conversations about substance use and offers resources like OpenConversationSC.com. Additionally, DPH provides free Overdose Safety Kits with naloxone and test strips to prevent opioid-related deaths. Visit scdmh.org or daodas.sc.gov for more information.