Tips for Mental Health Around the Holidays
Mental Health Around the Holidays
by Sharon Fu, Seeds of Hope Counseling
The holiday season can often bring unwelcome guests: Stress, anxiety and depression. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Between cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, 88 percent of Americans report experiencing mental health issues this time of year.
This is a good time to review self-directed prevention and management tips to get ahead of issues. Consider the following tips offered by the Mayo Clinic.
Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. It also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.
Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.
Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.
Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.
Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.
Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.
Having said all of that, do not hesitate to seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
About the Author: Sharon Fu is a licensed clinical counselor specializing in helping women who are struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional abuse/trauma and stress management. Other areas include parenting, and parenting of LGBTQ.
Sharon offers a free 15-minute phone consultation. If you or someone you know might benefit from her services, please call 224-239-7620 or email sfu@seedshopecounseling.com.
Seeds of Hope is located at 7115 Virginia Road in Crystal Lake across from CVS.