The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for many people they are anything but that. During the holidays, TVF&R firefighters respond to a higher number of calls than during any other time of year related to depression, substance abuse, and even suicide.

The holiday season can trigger feelings of grief, loss, fluctuating emotions, and at times mental health crisis for many people.

Our partner in healthcare, Providence Health and Services of Oregon and SW Washington, offers these tips for ways that family and friends can help someone who is experiencing depression. Tips for family and friends

Additionally, help is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Concerned friends, family, or community members are also encouraged to call. Please call Washington County Crisis Line at 503-291-9111 to speak with a mental health professional.

The Crisis Line provides assessment, crisis intervention, and referrals to local resources and treatment. The Crisis Line works closely with other community crisis services including the Crisis Team, 911, and local emergency rooms.

If the emergency is life-threatening, please dial 911. If you or your loved one is a military veteran in crisis, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 for support specific to veterans. Also, specifically for teenagers is the Lines for Life Teen Line at 1-877-553-TEEN or the teen text line where teens can text teen2teen at 839863.

For more information on Washington County Crisis Services and other crisis resources, please visit their website

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in Clackamas County, the Clackamas County Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (503) 655-8585.