As we head into what is historically one of the biggest party nights of the year, please hang in there, stay home and socially distance this New Year’s Eve. This pandemic has lasted for what feels like forever and I know how hard it is to skip beloved traditions. But as COVID-19 cases continue to spike all over the United States, it’s critical to stay home and avoid public or private gatherings, even if they’re allowed in your local area.
Please, for your health, for your loved ones’ health and for your community’s health, stay home this New Year’s Eve. I’m not even going to talk about ways to celebrate safely if you do choose to go out – the things that work best are the things I’ve talked about a million times over. If you’re determined to go out, then check out the CDC’s guide to New Year’s Eve during COVID-19.
Instead of partying this New Year’s, check in with yourself. It’s been a long, difficult, stressful year. Get sleep. Drink water. Bundle up and head outside for some air and some exercise. Do the things that make you happy, whatever that may be (as long as it’s socially distant). Reach out to a counselor if you need one. Check out guidance on what helps this season and call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) if you need help.
Take care of yourselves,
🥂 Dr. B