Tag Archive for: holiday stress

Take Care of Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

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The holidays can bring joy, but it can also be a difficult time for many. It’s important to consider the impact the holidays may have on your mental health.

Many people find difficulties navigating the ups and downs of the season. This may be due to the loss of a loved one, inability to gather as a family, or financial difficulties among other things. All the while, they are planning, attending, and engaging in activities such as work parties and family gatherings. However, taking time to focus on the things you can do may help shift your focus.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

People face a lot of emotions during the holidays. This can be from not having family, having lost loved ones, living far away, or feeling overwhelmed by all the expectations and demands of the season. We should expect these feelings in ourselves and others.

Don’t avoid these feelings, recognize them. We can also expect these feelings to come in waves. The first wave will probably be the biggest, emotionally, and then it can become more manageable from there.

The important thing is to know yourself and expect some ups and downs. But the second most important thing to remember is that it’s best to embrace the feelings and work through them rather than trying to stop these feelings altogether.

Take Action

Knowing yourself is key to the entire process of mental and emotional health during the holidays and throughout the year. Try to understand your triggers – something that can make you feel sad, angry, overwhelmed – and be prepared.

The next step is to have coping skills, or actions you take to deal with the highs and lows. These skills will be a big part of working through things as they happen, even more so to help with holidays and mental health. Some coping skills can include:

  • Talking to someone
  • Making a list
  • Doing deep breathing exercises
  • Going for a walk
  • Or writing in a journal

Adjust your expectations for the season to fit your current reality. By letting go of perfection and embracing what’s possible, you may find new ways to experience the holidays.

It’s Okay to Feel Lonely

Loneliness is common during the holidays, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. 

Dealing with this can happen in a few ways.

  1. Throw out the idea of “should”: For example, don’t continually think or say “I should be able to be with my family” or “I should be going on a trip”. It’s fine, and even good, to mourn a lost holiday or celebration with people you care about, but then take those options out. Think about what you can do and focus on that this year.
  2. Change your expectations: This is a good rule any time of year. We set high expectations of ourselves and of the holidays, which can lead to disappointment. Re-think or lower your expectations to something more realistic.
  3. Use this opportunity to help others who may also be facing loneliness: Reaching out to someone else—whether it’s a neighbor, an isolated relative, or a friend—can create meaningful connections and help both of you feel supported. Small acts of kindness can have a big impact, especially during this season.

Know When to Ask for Help

We believe in prevention in healthcare, whether it is physical health or mental health. If holiday stress becomes overwhelming, or if you notice changes in mood, behavior, or interest in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek professional support. NOAH’s counselors and psychiatrists are here to help you navigate these challenges and improve your mental well-being.

Find Ways to Enjoy the Season

Now that we are ready to adjust our expectations, embrace the emotions of the season, and know what to expect, we can find new ways to celebrate the season safely for our mental health.

Make your plans – If you want to do a video call with multiple family members, make those arrangements. Remember that some people may not have reliable WiFi or be comfortable using certain technologies so plan accordingly. Making phone calls to loved ones and sending cards are ways to share the season with people you care about.

Remember to also be thankful and show gratitude, which is helpful to your mental and emotional health all year. Showing gratitude to your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers can have a ripple effect. So, hold the door open, smile, give a compliment, or make small talk with the cashier, and you will brighten many people’s day in the process.

For additional help, request an appointment here. Our expert providers are ready to offer you the support and care you may need during this holiday season.

Coping Skills for this Holiday Season

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Holidays and emotional health go hand in hand. These past few years have asked a lot of all of us, emotionally and mentally. That’s why mental health this holiday season (and always, really) should be something we think about. And, we all benefit from using healthy coping skills. NOAH’s experts weigh in on coping skills and the holiday season below.

First, we hope you have readjusted your expectations for 2021 vs. prior to COVID. Some things may be “back to normal” and some things and people may not be quite the same as pre-COVID (that includes you!). If you expect a holiday season that is picture perfect, when real life doesn’t meet your expectation, the reaction can be very real and very difficult.  

Now that we’ve all adjusted our expectations, our NOAH behavioral health experts share good coping skills. Learn healthy ways to deal with stress, anxiety and depression, your day and however you are celebrating the holidays this year. Coping skills can be different from person to person, and in different situations.

Try these coping skills and use what works best for you

  1. Acknowledge your feelings. There is a lot more about this important step in a previous post, so read about that here.
  2. Talk to someone. This can be a counselor or therapist, or it can be a friend or family member who helps you feel heard and calms the situation without getting involved.
  3. Slow down. If you are doing too many things, being everything for everyone, it’s time to slow down and take a break.
  4. Make a list. If you have a lot to do (see #3 above), and it is causing stress, make a list. Crossing things off your list also gives you a sense of accomplishment which is a positive feeling.
  5. Do deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing exercises can have a lot of benefits to your overall health. Take deep breaths in, hold it for several seconds and slowly exhale. Repeat this for a minute or two.
  6. Get distracted. Step away from what is causing you anxiety or depression. Try to lose yourself in something else, like a puzzle, an easy project, adult coloring books, yard work or whatever can keep you distracted for a while.
  7. Take a walk. Walking outdoors is great for your health. Not only is the exercise good, fresh air and sunshine are helpful for your overall health. Plus, taking a walk can distract you (#6) and help you slow down (#3) as well.
  8. Use your five senses. Do something that engages different senses. Notice what is around you using sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste. This will give your mind a break from things that may be causing stress.

This holiday season can hold a lot of different feelings and emotions, and that is okay. Be kind to yourself and others. And, most importantly, enjoy the holiday season however you celebrate it.