Avant urges Georgians to seek mental health support during the holidays

Avant Interventional Psychiatry is encouraging Georgians to reach out for help with holiday stress, grief, anxiety and depression as Thanksgiving and year-end gatherings approach. The Marietta practice says therapy, psychiatric evaluations and medication management are available in person and by telepsychiatry across Georgia.

Why it matters: - The holiday season can intensify grief, anxiety, depression and loneliness for people already under stress. - Financial pressure, family conflict, caregiving demands and disrupted routines can make symptoms harder to manage. - Avant Interventional Psychiatry is trying to lower the barrier to seeking care before problems become a crisis.

What happened: - Dr. Okah “Justin” Anyokwu, Medical Director of Avant Interventional Psychiatry, encouraged Georgians to acknowledge holiday-related emotional strain and ask for help when they need it. - The message came as Thanksgiving and the year-end holidays approach. - Avant said individuals and families can seek support without waiting for a diagnosis or a breaking point.

The details: - Holiday expectations can make it harder for people to talk openly about depression, anxiety, grief or loneliness. - A person may take part in traditions while privately struggling to get through the day. - Signs of concern can include trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, increased irritability, withdrawal from others and loss of interest in activities that usually feel enjoyable. - Dr. Anyokwu said the key question is not whether someone has enough to be grateful for, but how they are feeling and functioning. - If symptoms persist, become harder to manage or interfere with daily responsibilities, reaching out to a mental health professional can help clarify what is happening and what care may fit. - Avant said therapy can help people discuss difficult emotions, relationship concerns, grief and stress management. - Psychiatric evaluations and medication management are also available. - Dr. Anyokwu said the first step can be as simple as telling someone, “I’m having a hard time.” - Families can support one another by sharing hosting duties, reducing spending expectations and allowing traditions to change when circumstances change. - Asking a loved one, “How has this season been feeling for you?” can create space for a more honest conversation. - Listening without judgment and offering practical help can make it easier for someone to share what they need.

Between the lines: - The campaign frames holiday mental health as a normal care need, not a personal failure. - That approach may help people who delay treatment because they think their problems are not serious enough or worry about being judged. - The practice is also broadening the message beyond individual care to include family support and early intervention.

What's next: - Avant is directing people who want more information or an appointment to its website or newpatients@avantpsychiatry.com. - The practice offers in-person care at its East Cobb, Austell, Fayetteville and Kennestone locations. - Avant also provides telepsychiatry across Georgia. - The Georgia-based practice serves children, adolescents and adults. - Avant provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, therapy and interventional psychiatric services.

The bottom line: - Avant is urging Georgians not to treat holiday stress as something they have to carry alone.