Mental Health and the Holidays



Even when the holidays are joyful it can be stressful.  There's so much going on!  So whether or not you are already experiencing a mental health challenge, you may find yourself struggling to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

In fact, a NAMI study showed that 64% of people with mental illness report that holidays make symptoms worse.  It can be a lonely & difficult time.  That holds true with seasonal or crisis conditions.

For me, it's a mixed bag.  I don't have local family, and I may or may not feel like feasting with friends.  So, I'm grateful for all the activities at church, and  I've developed some of my own rituals to help focus on the "reason for the season".  

And, I make an effort to follow these tips:

1.    Focus On What You Can Control & Be Realistic.  Even pre-pandemic, the happy perfect lives of the people in holiday commercials are fictional.  The pandemic has changed a lot around us, and it’s OK if you feel anxious as a result. Control what you can to take care of your physical and mental health. If you are nervous about travel requirements, research them in advance so you feel more prepared. If you’re feeling stressed by the media, take a digital break for a few days.

2.    Keep Healthy Habits. It’s important to keep healthy habits in place no matter your holiday plans:  exercise daily, practice relaxation, eat healthy in-between feasting, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated.  Healthy habits can improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve long-term mental wellbeing.

3.    Make Time for Yourself & Practice Healthy Boundaries:  Spending time with family or friends, especially if you have not seen them in the last few years, can be overwhelming and complex, maybe plain uncomfortable.  Remember you can only control your role, your yes and your no. If you need a moment to yourself, try sneaking away to a quiet room or going for an early morning walk.

4.    Create new traditions. It may feel challenging to revert to holiday traditions from 2019, and that’s OK. Maybe you've never had traditions.  It's OK to create new traditions that work for you and prioritize your mental wellbeing.

5.    Ask for help if you need it.  Be Prepared.  If  you're already in counseling and/or taking medication, be sure and see your practitioners.  If not, and you are feeling especially sad, stressed, anxious or depressed, then talk to someone you trust, like friends and pastors, and/or a mental health professional or a primary care physician for guidance and support.

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