Peanuts & The "Blues
In the film, Charlie Brown visits this character’s booth for "Psychiatric Help."
Who is Lucy?
This 2-letter word is the most powerful tool in a recovery toolkit when invited to a "slippery" event.
What is "No"?
This acronym stands for the four physical/emotional states that make us most vulnerable to relapse?
What is H.A.L.T.?
This type of depression is specifically linked to the shorter days and lack of sunlight in winter.
What is S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?
Just like Charlie Brown’s tree needed a little love and water, your brain needs this many 8oz glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and reduce "brain fog."
What is eight?
Charlie Brown says, "I know I should be happy, but I'm not." This clinical term describes the loss of interest or pleasure in things we usually enjoy.
What is Anhedonia? (Accept: Depression)
This is the term for a pre-planned reason and method to leave a party if you feel triggered or overwhelmed.
What is an Exit Strategy?
This grounding technique involves naming 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 Method?
This is the term for when a mental health symptom (like anxiety) and a substance use urge happen at the same time.
What is a Co-Occurring (or Dual Diagnosis) Trigger?
This is the act of stepping away from a loud holiday party for 5 to 10 minutes to reset your nervous system.
What is a "Time-Out" or "Sensory Break"?
This character is the only one who stays focused on the "True Meaning" and carries a security blanket for grounding.
Who is Linus?
If someone asks, "Why aren't you drinking?", this is a "Short and Sweet" response that doesn't require a long explanation.
(Example) What is "I’m focusing on my health right now" or "I’ve had enough for a lifetime"?
This "Security Blanket" behavior involves staying consistent with your doctor’s orders, even during travel or holidays.
What is Medication Adherence?
Alcohol is classified as this type of drug, which can actually worsen the "Holiday Blues" or depressive symptoms.
What is a Depressant?
Charlie Brown tried to fix the tree with a red ornament, and it bent over. This self-care "small win" involves getting at least 7–9 hours of this to keep your mood stable.
What is Sleep?
Snoopy enters a contest to decorate his doghouse for money. This represents which holiday trigger?
What is Financial Stress/Commercialism?
True or False: You are responsible for managing other people's disappointment when you set a boundary.
What is False?
Doing this for others (like Linus helping Charlie) can help get us out of our own heads and reduce holiday "self-pity."
What is Service Work/Volunteering?
This hormone is released during exercise or laughter and can naturally help "Charlie Brown" feelings.
What are Endorphins?
Instead of old "using" traditions, you can create these—such as a sober movie night or a holiday morning hike—to build new memories.
What are New Traditions?
At the end of the movie, the group fixes the tree together. This illustrates that recovery is not a solo journey, but requires this.
What is Community/Social Support?
This is the practice of accepting that family members (like "Lucy") may never change, and focusing only on your own reaction.
What is Radical Acceptance?
This is the "Gold Standard" time frame for recovery: focusing only on the next 24 hours rather than the whole season.
What is One Day at a Time?
The "Peanuts" kids often mock Charlie. This term describes the negative social label that makes people hesitant to seek help for mental health.
What is Stigma?
This self-care tool involves writing down three things you are thankful for each night to combat the "Charlie Brown" feelings of gloom.
What is a Gratitude Journal?