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Winter Blues? Navigating Seasonal Wellness Challenges

With the holiday season behind us and the new year underway, many people feel a noticeable shift in their mood, stress levels and overall well-being. Though we live in Florida, shorter daylight hours and post-holiday transitions can still impact our emotional well-being. For some, this may be nothing more than a temporary slump. For others, it could mark the beginning or worsening of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety or heightened risk for substance use relapse. At Care About Me, we know how important it is to recognize when those “winter blues” are signaling deeper needs. This blog explores how seasons can affect mental health and what you can do to make this time of year more manageable, hopeful and healing. How Seasonal Changes Can Affect Mood and Well-Being Many of us associate winter-time mood changes (longer nights, less sunlight) with a phenomenon mainly relevant to cold climates, but it …

Reflection & Hope: Setting Goals for the New Year

As one year ends and a new one begins, it is natural to look back and take stock of the months behind us. This reflection can bring a wide range of emotions. For those who have faced loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction or the challenges of recovery, these feelings may be especially strong. At the same time, the start of a new year offers an opportunity to set intentions that focus on healing, prioritize self-care and are guided by compassion instead of pressure or perfection.  At Care About Me, we believe in recognizing struggle, validating pain and creating space for hope. In Pinellas County, the need for care and support is real. Nearly 17 percent of adults reported poor mental health. Opioid overdoses remain a critical issue with more than 35 deaths per 100,000 residents annually, and substance use and behavioral health challenges continue to affect thousands of families in …

Gratitude in Recovery: The Science of Thankfulness During the Holiday Season

The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times of the year for people in recovery. Stress, grief, anxiety and family pressures often increase, making substance-use triggers feel harder to manage. According to BayCare’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, in Pinellas County, mental health and substance use have consistently been identified in both the primary and secondary data as a top health priority. In addition, suicide rates remain higher than the state rate.  One of the most powerful and research-backed tools for recovery is gratitude. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good idea; it has measurable effects on the brain and behavior, helping people in recovery strengthen mental health, reduce stress and manage cravings. This blog explores the science behind gratitude, its role in supporting recovery and practical ways to incorporate it during the holiday season. Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you.” It’s a practice, one that rewires the brain, …
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FAQs

Imagine having a confidential access line that’s dedicated to helping Pinellas County residents of all ages find the crucial mental health, substance use, and addiction services they need. That’s where Care About Me comes in. Streamlining the process, our specialists help to spare you the frustration of endless searches for local services. Instead, we provide a safe space where residents or family members can connect directly with experienced behavioral health specialists. These specialists skillfully assess your needs and swiftly schedule an appointment with a local provider. Don’t hesitate – take the first step toward the support you deserve today!

Care About Me is not a crisis line. If you or someone you know is facing a mental health emergency, please call 911. For those dealing with thoughts of self-harm or in need of emotional support, please reach out to the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

Care About Me partners with top-tier providers who offer a wide range of services, including in-person and virtual appointments. Our providers cater to individuals of all ages and accept various forms of insurance, including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. We also offer sliding scale or pro bono services to ensure everyone has access to quality care.

Our providers specialize in serving all Pinellas County residents, including the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and justice-involved populations. Our vetted providers offer comprehensive services across all levels of care, including supportive services, therapy, detox, medication management, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and psychiatric services. With Care About Me, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the personalized care you deserve.

Connect with a Care About Me specialist in a way that suits you best – whether it’s through a call, text, online form, or live chat. We’re committed to providing each resident with a personalized and tailored experience when seeking assistance.

Our team of masters-prepared clinicians is dedicated to answering all incoming calls. Care About Me specialists are equipped to connect with translators proficient in over 170 languages, ensuring that care is accessible to all residents, regardless of the language they speak. Creating accessible care for everyone, no matter the language barrier.

Harnessing the power of our secure platform, Care About Me specialists seamlessly send electronic referrals, monitor care progress, and ensure residents receive prompt and impactful assistance along with follow-up support as needed. Our highly trained specialists excel at connecting callers with a wide array of supportive services, including counseling, support groups, educational resources, and referrals to local, specialized treatment centers and providers.

Calls take roughly 20-25 minutes for a one-on-one consultation with our specialist to secure your appointment. You can even request a callback at your preferred time, and our specialists will do their best to accommodate your schedule.

Care About Me is funded annually by the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners.

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