WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - The holiday season can be stressful for everyone trying to manage gifts, gatherings, and mental health. Still, it is particularly tough for people with existing mental health challenges. "I want to be as healthy and happy and fulfilled as I possibly can. So I'm going to use all the tools that I have accessible in my toolbox," said Laura Rosenbaum, a mental health advocate. A single mom of two adults, Rosenbaum has lived with depression and anxiety for many years. "I'm tougher than any diagnosis because I am not my diagnosis," she said. For Rosenbaum, this time of the year can be challenging with so much excitement and celebrations; she says managing it all can be stressful. "There's a lot of additional restrictions on time and money, and all of those things affect your physical being," she said. Rosenbaum says setting boundaries and keeping an eye on her mental health is important. Domestic violence rises during holidays; Wichita survivor speaks up "Key things is to be able to identify when you are feeling triggered and overwhelmed and to recognize when your social battery is running out," she said. Rosenbaum is an active member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Wichita, an organization that provides her with a support network and resources. Tara Gwynn, NAMI's program director, says that there are strategies one can implement during the holidays. "Every airline will tell you, 'Put your oxygen mask on first before you help somebody else, because if you can't breathe, how are you supposed to help someone else?' And I think that's really important during this time of year that we make sure that we can breathe and have time to decompress and process things before we're trying to help others do other events, things of that nature," said Gwynn. Even though holidays are about traditions and gatherings, Rosenbaum says it is OK to create your own traditions, which help you cope better. "We typically have brunch on Christmas day at IHOP, and that's OK. We do things differently. We do things that fit for us and for our family," she said. Whether it's for a family member, friend, coworker, or for yourself, there is help out there for anyone looking for mental health care. Click here to find a list.