Jacksonville mom JANIS HARPER gave herself permission to pause. Here’s what we can learn from her honest and refreshing “mom-cation” experience — her solo, budget-friendly trip to Disney World taken during an emotionally challenging year.  Her story opens the door to a deeper, much-needed conversation about stress, self-care, and mental health during the holiday season.

After Janis, two trusted experts join me: DR. REENA GOYAL, a licensed clinical psychologist with Baptist Health, and CHANTELLE BRYANT, a licensed mental health counselor with UF Health Jacksonville. Together, we explore why the holidays can trigger anxiety, depression, and overwhelm.  More importantly, these specialists offer practical, compassionate strategies to help you cope when you can’t get away, when you feel isolated, or are carrying the weight for everyone else.