This entry has been directly taken from a blog post from Mental Health America
​written by Danielle Fritze, MHA Senior Director of Public Education & Visual Communications

For many people, the holidays conjure up a Norman Rockwell-esque mental picture of people gathered to enjoy food, friends, and family, accompanied by feelings of love, warmth, and excitement.  But for others, the holidays can cause them to feel anxious or depressed despite all the decorations and festivities.

There may be pressure to impress friends and relatives with a spotless house or the perfect gift. The need to travel and buy gifts can strain an already tight budget. The crowds in parking lots, shopping centers, and airports are enough to send anyone into a state of heightened anxiety.

Obligations to attend multiple functions or visit everyone can be overwhelming. Maybe family time is tainted by unwanted conversations or a toxic relative. Perhaps the holidays remind you of friends or family members who are no longer around to celebrate.

And last but not least, some people don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with.

Here are five things you can do if you find yourself stressed or depressed this holiday season.

1. Say “No” If You Feel Overwhelmed.
There are only so many functions you can attend (or host), especially if you are busy with your day-to-day obligations and have limited time off. Trying to be too many places or get your house looking pristine for company can make get-togethers that are supposed to be enjoyable end up overwhelming.
If trying to be everything to everyone is sucking the joy out of the holidays, don’t be afraid to RSVP “no” to a few invitations or opt not to throw your annual party. This gives you the opportunity to reach out and suggest spending one-on-one time with friends or family in the new year when calendars are a bit more open and interactions can be more intimate and meaningful.
Alternatively, if you have social anxiety, you may send your mental health into a tailspin by pushing yourself too hard to participate in events or go to crowded places that trigger your symptoms. If stores swamped with too many shoppers are your nightmare, rely on trusted websites for online gift shopping. You can increase the impact of your gift giving by selecting a charity on Amazon Smile – a portion of what you spend will be donated to your designated charity.

2. Be Kind To Your Wallet.
If finances are a source of anxiety, decline gift exchanges in favor of low-cost activities that you can share with loved ones. Offer to have someone over for a home-cooked meal, or plan a coffee date. It’s also not unreasonable to set spending limits or make homemade gifts if you can’t avoid a gift exchange.
Travel costs can be prohibitive; if appropriate request that your family or friends help cover the cost of your travel for the holidays instead of giving gifts. Use technology to get face-time when you can’t be somewhere in person. Skype and Google Hangouts are two free ways to make video calls with one or more people. Facetime is also an option for iPhone users.

3. Know When To End Unwanted Conversations.
Many families have that one toxic member (or maybe there are a few of them) who can turn a seemingly fine conversation into a family feud.

When you see things start to take a turn for the worse, DO NOT POKE THE BEAR.
There is no shame in removing yourself from the situation—leave the room or step outside until cooler heads prevail.

If your dread is more centered around being grilled by friends and family about things like your relationship status, weight gain, or a tough life event you’ve faced recently, you have a few options.
It may help to rehearse any replies to anticipated questions in advance of gatherings, so you don’t find yourself struggling to figure out what to say. You can change the subject of the conversation if you don’t feel like having a particular discussion, but try not to do so in a provocative or defensive way.
For example, don’t respond to, “How are you doing since the breakup?” with “How are you doing since you got passed over for that promotion at work?”
Lastly, you can simply inform someone that the topic they are bringing up is a sensitive one that you would rather not discuss.

4. Honor Those Who Have Passed On.
Remember that it is okay to be sad. There is no way to replace the presence of a loved one who has passed away, but one way of coping is to honor their memory rather than mourn their absence.
Some ideas include:

• Donating time or money (if able) in the name of your loved-one to a cause that was near and dear to them;
• Setting a place at the table for them;
• Looking at old pictures or videos with other friends and family to remember the good times; or
• Stepping in to carry on a tradition that the departed used to take the lead on.

If continuing old traditions is too painful, opt to create new ones that you think your loved one would have enjoyed.

5. Don’t Be Alone If You Don’t Want To.
If you prefer to spend the holidays by relaxing in solitude or engaging in self-reflection, there is nothing wrong with that. However, if you find yourself feeling lonely and without friends or family to spend time with, there are other people out there who are also looking for or open to having company:

• Talk to co-workers and neighbors to let them know you’ll be alone and would like to get together.
• Find a volunteer opportunity—it’s a great way to meet new people who also want to give their time to good causes, and to connect with people (or animals) who are in need during the holidays.
• Look online for others who are looking for people to hang out with—Searching for events in your area on social media can help you find people who share your interests

Here’s wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and fulfilling holiday season.

More information on this funding and how to apply can be found here.

Deadline to apply is November 10, 2020

​406.841.2840 | HOUSING.MT.GOV  

The Emergency Housing Assistance Program serves eligible Montanan families, who because of the COVID-19 emergency or the response to that emergency, have suffered substantial financial hardship and lack sufficient income or resources to pay housing costs. 

• The program can pay the difference between 25% of the eligible household’s reduced net monthly income due to COVID-19 impact, and their eligible housing costs (i.e. monthly rent or mortgage payment), with assistance ranging from a minimum of $250/month and up to $2,000/month. 
• A housing assistance calculator is available on he state website at:   https://housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/CovidHousingAssist 
• The program can assist eligible households with housing costs beginning in April 2020.  
• Rent or mortgage payment arrears due prior to April 1, 2020 are not eligible.
• Subsequent month(s) of assistance are contingent on completion of a Request for Continued Assistance form attesting to the need for on-going assistance, and subject to available funding. This form will be sent to previously awarded applicants to complete. Previously awarded applicants do not need to submit a new application. 
• Homeowners participating in a forbearance program are eligible to apply. 
• Unpaid security deposits corresponding with initial lease agreements effective April 1, 2020 or later are eligible.
• Payments are made directly to landlord/property owners, mortgage servicers and/or hazard insurance companies.

Please gather the following documents / information before you begin your application:

• Executed lease / rental agreement (renters)
• Current monthly mortgage statement (homeowners)
• Current hazard insurance statement (only for homeowners who pay insurance directly)
• Income documentation for all sources of household income. Applicants will be asked to upload documentation showing lost/decreased income at time of peak COVID-19 impact, as well as current income documentation (i.e. paystubs, letter from employment, Social Security/pension statement, unemployment statement etc.).
• Contact information, including email, for your landlord or mortgage servicer.

Note to previously declined applicants:  

• If you previously applied and were denied assistance because your monthly income was equal to or exceeded your monthly housing costs, but have since experienced a decrease in your household income (i.e. due to end of $600/week federal unemployment insurance at end of July), please contact us with a request to re-assess your application by calling 406-841-2840 or email housing@mt.gov. Please do not submit a new application. We can retrieve your prior application and open it for editing so you can provide current income information and documentation. 

Feeling a more angry or irritable than normal, you know, “just not feeling right?” Maybe you are blaming yourself more for not being the person you used to be at home or on the water and now go home feeling like you are letting someone down. Maybe the client that you once loved to teach, or the waters you can navigate with your eyes closed, no longer bring you peace?  Heck, maybe, that relaxing evening drink has increased to four or has become the midday, “I will just have one, well maybe two” self-talk. 

Look, here’s the thing, we all could use a check-up from the neck up! Even the toughest, manliest and womanliest of guides need to talk it out sometimes. And the Guide Relief Program is here to ensure you have someone to speak with when you need it and how you need it no matter where in the state you are.

We have even removed the barrier of not being insured. That’s right, as an uninsured Montanan, help is here. If you, or a family member, do not have insurance, but feel as though you need to chat with someone, follow the instructions below to get the process started. 

1. Call Western Montana Mental Health Center
   1.  Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, 406-556-6501
   2. Off hours and weekends, call the Help Center at 211 or 406-586-3333
2. Ask to speak with someone in/with Urgent Care.
3. You will then either speak with a Care Coordinator at that time or be advised they will be contacted by one. This generally to be within 24 hours.
4. ​When speaking with the Care Coordinator, advise them that you are uninsured.
5. If you not heard from Care Coordinator within 48 hours, reach out to WMMHC Area Director, Michael Foust at: mfoust2@wmmhc.org

 
If you should have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@guiderelieffund.com

All communication is confidential.

At the end of July (July 25 in Montana, July 31 elsewhere) a significant benefit extended to independent contractors will end.  The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) which has provided an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will terminate. Even though many independent contractors have been able to return to work fully, many have not or have found that they have decidedly less work. The loss of this additional income will prove critical to many who work as independent contractors, the self-employed, gig workers, and the like.  

As Congress considers new relief, including the extension of FPUC, we encourage you to reach out to your Senators (and others if you wish) urging them to support the extension until January 2021. It could be because you need the extension beyond July 25th.  Perhaps you won't need it right away, but in passing, will ensure that you will receive this benefit in the event it's needed. And in doing so, you will support your fellow guides who are in need of this funding. 

Below find information on how to contact Montana Senators Tester and Daines. Direct links will be the most effective in which to reach out. You will also find talking points on FPUC, guide specific points, and suggestions on how best to write your letter.  It's important to stay focused and clear on your messaging.  Also, don't be fearful of making it personal. This is very personal to you and your colleagues.

If you are a guide or independent contractor from a state other than Montana, click here to find the Senators in your state.

We encourage you to reach out to us if you should have any questions or need assistance.  info@guiderelieffund.com

 1. Fill out the form with information needed. Name, address, etc.
          a. www.tester.senate.gov/?p=email_senator

• Topic: Labor
• Message subject: Extension of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

          b. www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve

• How can I help you:  Share your opinions or comments…
• Message topic: Labor
• Subject:  Extension of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

2. Message bullet points.

• As part of the CARES Act that passed on March 27, 2020, unemployment compensation was extended to independent contractors and other workers who are ordinarily ineligible for unemployment benefits. 
• States were then permitted to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to individuals who are self-employed, including independent contractors.
• In addition to unemployment benefits, the new law created the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC), which has provided an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting PUA. 
• FPUC benefits will end on July 25.
• As an independent contractor whose livelihood has been impacted by COVID-19, these additional funds are critical and have proven to be a major component of many people's financial lifeline.
• While many independent contractors are able to return to work fully, many continue to struggle with lack of work and income.

3. Guide specific bullet points. (Choose one or two that may resonate with you. Feel free to expand on it and give personal examples.)

• Many have lost a substantial percentage of their income for 2020 and even though their trips coming in, it will take many guides and independent contractors years to recoup the loss.
• Moving forward, with the state open again, in many cases there are more cancellations than booking coming in for many for the remaining season to salvage.
• For those guides who serve as independent contractors, guiding is their main source of income and many do not have options to fall back on.
• The initial cost of guiding, for many this year, may outweigh the benefit of working.
• With the uncertainty of what the rest of the season or summer may look like, many guides will not be able to fill their calendars.  Montana's season was cut in half, it is not feasible to make up the lost revenue.
• Many guides are at the mercy of the government. Reopening the state allowed for our industry, that is tourist based, to resume business.  With that said, many are still struggling to fill days and we are caught in a catch-22.  We want to keep our communities safe, but our clientele is overwhelmingly from out of state.  We are not only putting ourselves at risk but also all customers we interact with.  And potentially more so than other tourist-based industries due to our close and intimate interactions with each person.
• Without the PUA/FPUC assistance, our industry will suffer as many guides will be forced to look for work outside of the industry.
• Now, more than ever, is not the time to remove vital assistance to those that need it most.  

Hints and tips on putting your email together
You know why you’re writing and what to write, but just how should you write it? Here is some advice on giving your letter the right tone and approach.

• Get to the point quickly--don’t ramble in your email. Your senator and their staff are short on time, so keep everything crisp and clear.
• Create a connection—explain who you are and why this particular topic matters to you. Tell them any impact it’s likely to have.
• Stick to one issue, and one issue only—we get that you might have plenty of things to write about but keep it simple and focused. One issue, concern, idea, or opinion per email is what you need.
• Be respectful—if you’re angry, this can be tough, but write with respect. Keep your tone even, you’re more likely to be taken seriously.
• Keep emotion out of it—you may be upset, stressed, extremely concerned, or raging. While it’s fine to mention this in the email, don’t let your emotions drive your writing.
• Don’t threaten, ever—this really goes without saying, but avoid anything that could be considered anything other than you simply airing an opinion, idea, or concern.
• Proofread your message—it’s irrational, but a wrongly spelled word can be irritating. Avoid problems in your email by reading it through a couple of times and checking for punctuation, spelling, typos, and grammar.  

If you should need assistance in navigating what might be best fit for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Feel confident that every conversation is confidential.
406-838-3507‬ or info@guiderelieffund.com

Rent Relief:

Montana Housing’s Emergency Housing Assistance program provides rent, security deposit, mortgage payment, and/ or hazard insurance assistance as-needed for Montanans who have lost a job or substantial income loss as a result of COVID-19.

• https://housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/CovidHousingAssist

Northwestern Energy:
If you're concerned about your ability to pay your bill, please contact them right away.

• 888-467-2669

You may qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), or Emergency Bill Assistance from Energy Share Montana.

• http://www.northwesternenergy.com/
• Follow the link to ‘Our COVID-19 response’ > Need help with your bills

Phone and internet:
FCC announced the Keep Americans Connected Initiative. In order to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity.  More than 700 companies and associations have signed the Chairman's pledge to Keep Americans Connected. These companies have vowed to:

• Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
• Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
• Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them
• https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected

United Way
United Way is supporting communities across the world struggling to cope with COVID-19, protecting the most vulnerable. Helping people most in need access food, shelter, vital information and more through United Way’s global network.  Services are available throughout Montana.

• Butte and Anaconda
• Cascade County 
• Greater Gallatin
• Lewis and Clark Area
• ​Missoula County 
• Yellowstone County

If you, as an independent contractor, have not yet filed for unemployment, a site has been created specifically for those who work as independent contractors, self-employed, or gig workers.  Before you file, have the following items prepared:

• Social security number, date of birth, driver license or state ID, and, if you're not a US citizen, your USCIS Issued Identification number.
• Home address and your mailing address, if different than your home address.
• Cell phone to receive SMS updates and phone calls or home phone number.
• Email address for electronic communication and account access.
• 2019 wage records which may include your W2s, 1099s, K-1s related to partnerships, Pay Stubs, or Bank Statements.
• Bank account and routing numbers if you want to use direct deposits for benefit payments.

Once you have gathered these items, register on the site and file for unemployment benefits.

If you have questions or need assistance, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) office can be reached at  406-444-3382  or PUAClaims@mt.gov

If you have filed for unemployment and haven't received your benefits and/or are unsuccessful in speaking with someone at Montana Works or the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), we encourage you to call or email the Montana Citizens' Advocate.  Their job is in the name - they work to advocate on behalf of Montanans and offers direction and assistance within state government.

Montana Citizens' Advocate Office can be reached at (855) 318-1330 or (406) 444-3468 or by e-mail at citizensadvocate@mt.gov.

Yes, you are reading right.  Unemployment Benefits, including the $600 additional weekly payment are beginning to roll out. However, as is stated very clearly in this video, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry are working diligently to add the self-employed and independent contractors to the system. Once that has been completed, self-employed and ICs will begin receiving their benefits, including the $600, which in many cases will be retroactive. 

We understand that waiting for these funds to hit is stressful - know you are not alone in this.  There are other programs that might help you with electric or other utilities. Find that information here.