Blackout Wednesday? What’s That?
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, known as Blackout Wednesday, is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. Holidays can bring up anxiety, stress, and complicated family dynamics... and drinking might feel like a way to “let it go.” But does it really? 🤔
Blackout Wednesday is also one of the deadliest times for drunk driving. During Thanksgiving week, 34% of fatal crashes involve alcohol.
There is support available. The DeafYES! Center for Deaf Empowerment & Recovery is conducting a study for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals experiencing trauma-related stress and alcohol use. Their research explores healthier, Deaf-accessible ways to manage stress and trauma.
Interested in possibly learning healthier ways to cope this holiday season?
📧 Contact: signsofsafety@umassmed.edu
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Video Description & Transcript
[VD: The video thumbnail features a text bubble in the center that reads ‘Blackout Wednesday’ in white text on a rose-colored background. In the video, a white nonbinary person (Bee) is signing to the camera. Bee has brown curly hair worn down, and is wearing pants, a forest green sweater, and two gold chain necklaces.
Transcript: Blackout Wednesday? What’s that?
It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving...
one of the biggest drinking nights of the year.
Holidays bring up all kinds of feelings;
nervousness, sadness, disappointment, even anger.
I get that. I used to feel anxious around my family with
different values, beliefs, and language access.
I used to drink on Blackout Wednesday to numb my feelings,
to “prepare” for the holidays.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
People drink to “let it go.”
But does it really let it go?
Want to cope differently this year?
The DeafYES! Center for Deaf Empowerment & Recovery is conducting a study for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals experiencing trauma-related stress and alcohol use. Their research explores healthier, Deaf-accessible ways to manage stress and trauma.
Interested? Contact signsofsafety@umassmed.edu for more info.]