Find calm this season with River’s Bend’s free Holiday Coping Toolkit—clinician-crafted strategies to manage stress, grief, and triggers through the holidays.

(PRUnderground) November 10th, 2025

The holiday season is often associated with joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for individuals managing mental health conditions or recovering from substance use, this time of year can also bring heightened stress, emotional strain, and risk of relapse. In response, River’s Bend, Metro Detroit’s trusted outpatient behavioral health clinic, has released a new, free resource designed to help individuals and families navigate the holidays with strength, stability, and support.

The Holiday Coping Toolkit, now available for download, includes evidence-based strategies, reflection prompts, tracking sheets, and grounding techniques curated by licensed clinicians. The resource was developed as part of River’s Bend’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, actionable care beyond the therapy room.

“You don’t need to wait until after the holidays to get help,” said Bruce Goldberg, President and Co-Owner of River’s Bend. “We want people to know they’re not alone, and that compassionate, professional support is available right now.”

Understanding the Hidden Challenges of the Season

While the holidays can be a time of connection, they often disrupt routines and bring unique emotional pressures. For those in recovery or managing mental health concerns, common triggers may include:

• Exposure to alcohol at gatherings
• Financial stress or guilt
• Grief and family conflict
• Disrupted routines or isolation

These challenges can intensify symptoms of anxiety, depression, or addiction—and yet they often go unspoken.

“Protecting your peace during the holidays isn’t selfish. It’s an essential part of recovery,” said Goldberg. “We help clients build personalized game plans that prioritize their mental and emotional well-being.”

8 Tools That Make a Difference

To help clients and families prepare proactively, River’s Bend therapists recommend the following coping strategies:

1. Set Boundaries – Learn to say “no” to protect your energy.
2. Stick to a Routine – Maintain structure with sleep, meals, and appointments.
3. Build a Coping Toolkit – Use grounding exercises, support contacts, and affirmations.
4. Plan for Sobriety – Bring your own beverage, prepare exit strategies, and practice saying “no.”
5. Use Grounding Techniques – Breathe, refocus, and return to the present moment.
6. Reframe Expectations – Focus on meaning over perfection.
7. Lean on Your Support Network – Identify people you can call or text on tough days.
8. Start New, Healthy Traditions – Create rituals that bring peace and connection.

When to Seek Additional Help

River’s Bend encourages individuals to reach out if symptoms worsen or if they feel overwhelmed by cravings, grief, or anxiety. Professional therapy can offer guidance, emotional regulation tools, and relapse prevention strategies before a crisis develops.

Clients can schedule in-person or virtual evaluations at River’s Bend’s Troy or West Bloomfield locations. Both mental health and substance use Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are available, along with Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and adolescent services.

Download the Free Holiday Coping Toolkit

About River’s Bend P.C.

River’s Bend is a nationally accredited, privately owned outpatient behavioral health clinic located in Troy and West Bloomfield, MI. Specializing in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and trauma-informed care, River’s Bend offers personalized treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in a compassionate, community-first setting.

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Original Press Release.