FARMINGTON — Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) has released the second edition of its Winter Wellness Toolkit, a free digital guide designed to help individuals and families navigate the winter season. The 2025-2026 edition is presented by Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, whose financial wellness expertise is featured in the toolkit.

Luis B. Pérez, LCSW, president and CEO at Mental Health Connecticut, said, “Winter can be especially challenging for mental health, from shorter days and colder weather to financial strain and holiday stress.” Pérez added, “Our Winter Wellness Toolkit offers practical, actionable information and tools to support well-being, and we’re proud to partner with Nutmeg to expand the toolkit with critical financial wellness resources.”

John Holt, CEO at Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, said, “Financial stress can directly impact our mental health, especially in the winter when families are juggling heating bills, holiday spending, and unexpected expenses.” Holt continued, “In 2026, we’re celebrating 90 years of commitment to our communities. We are proud to partner with MHC to build stronger tomorrows by offering useful financial tools coupled with mental health resources. Together, our hope is that people feel more secure, informed, and supported this season and during all of life’s moments.”

This year’s toolkit includes 50 pages of information, stories, and interactive worksheets covering topics such as:

*Tips for financial well-being, such as budgeting strategies, recovering from holiday spending, and setting realistic financial goals;

*Technology and mental health, including how social media impacts adults and youth;

*Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): symptoms, causes, treatments, and self-care strategies;

*Loneliness: the growing “epidemic,” who is most impacted, and concrete tips for building connection;

*Suicide prevention, including warning signs, evidence-based interventions, and national and Connecticut-specific resources; and

*Practical tools such as a “Planning Your Cozy Winter” reflection sheet, decision maps for finding mental health care, a caregiver self-care worksheet, and more.

The toolkit also highlights local resources and programs, including MHC’s free Art of Wellbeing Studio in Hartford, community partners addressing loneliness, and statewide mental health providers and hot lines.

In celebration, MHC is hosting a Winter Wellness Weekly Raffle for anyone who downloads the toolkit to receive prizes such as theater tickets, museum passes, craft workshops, and other cozy winter experiences.

To enter, individuals can download the toolkit, scan the QR code on the second page, and complete a short survey. Winners are selected weekly on Fridays at noon (while supplies last), and each person is limited to one prize. The toolkit can be accessed by visiting mhconn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Winter-Wellness-Toolkit-2025-2026-2nd-Edition.pdf.