November 24, 2025 | By Spectrum Center staff
Going home for break can mean many things: delicious food, catching up, or much-needed rest. For others, it’s more of a challenge—maybe because of family expectations, difficult conversations, or feeling out of place.
Whether you’re craving connection, preparing for tough talks, or just wanting to relax, these tips can help you make the best of the season and remind you to put your own well-being first.
1. Decide your own path with family conversations
You get to choose what you share about your life, including when you’re home. For some, that might mean being open; for others, it may mean keeping parts of yourself private, or "masking" certain aspects like your gender or sexuality to stay safe. Remember: protecting your physical and emotional safety is nothing to be ashamed of—it's an act of strength and survival. If you expect tough situations, you can also plan allies and responses ahead of time.
2. Stay tapped in to your support system and things you love
Think ahead about social connection and downtime: Who can you text or call if things get rough? Where in your hometown feels safe or comforting (library, coffee shop, even a park)? Whether you need time with friends or solo activities—make a plan to access those spaces and people. Also—grab some items you love (books, games, favorite snacks, photos, stuffed animals, etc.). If you have affirming friends or chosen family, keep in touch through calls, chats, sidequests, or video—even scheduling times together for support.
3. Take care of yourself and practice self-compassion
You’ve just come through a busy semester! If you’re exhausted, stressed, or eating all the cookies, try not to beat yourself up. Listen to your body and mind; rest, relax, and recharge as best you can. It's also okay to carve out alone time, take breaks from family, and prioritize self-care—even if you feel pressure to spend every moment together. Go for walks, visit local spots, or find quiet time for yourself. You’re allowed to prioritize your well-being.
4. Prepare for challenging moments
Are you expecting any tough questions, conversations, or comments from family? One way you can prepare is by practicing with friends, or even rehearsing your answers to yourself, so you feel ready and supported if and when those moments come up. If you know you’ll be misgendered or asked invasive questions, it’s also okay to use survival strategies like masking or redirecting the conversation—that doesn’t erase your identity or invalidate who you are.
5. You deserve respect
Holidays and other occasions can be tough, especially if you don’t feel supported. Reach out to mental health resources (consider CAPS at UHC, Spectrum Center, or the Trevor Project), lean on chosen family, and remember: you are loved.
Resources
U-M
- UHC CAPS counselor on duty and after-hours urgent counseling
Counselor advice for mental health concerns is available at no cost 24/7 at 734-764-8312. Counselors are available in person for urgent matters from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. - Uwill teletherapy services
Uwill is an addition to CAPS services, providing students with video, phone, chat, and message sessions with licensed mental health professionals at no cost. You can use Uwill services same-day and after-hours—plus make weekend appointments—from any state, and most countries. - CALM app
For a limited time, get a free subscription to CALM Health via Wolverine Wellness. - Wellness Zones
Spaces and self-service wellness resources to help you manage stress, rest, and relax as you navigate your busy life
Beyond
- Local LBGTQ Centers
CenterLink lists 400+ local centers around the U.S. - Crisis hotlines
We’ve gathered up crisis hotlines operating nationally and here in Ann Arbor: Trevor Project, LGBT National Help Center, Trans Lifeline, Blackline, and Washtenaw County Crisis Services. - Fun distractions
- A03—A nonprofit archive for transformative fanworks and fanfiction
- Jackbox Games—A web-based party game studio you can play with others
- New York Times Games—Engaging word and logic games
- Starblast.io—A fun multiplayer arcade game set in space
- The Useless Web—Explore a random website
- Webkinz—The original Toy-to-Life game that has been enjoyed by millions
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