Mental Health Matters, Especially During the Holidays
The holiday season, “the most wonderful time of the year” isn’t so wonderful for everyone. While the joy and festive spirit can be uplifting and meaningful for some, for others the holiday period can be full of stress, anxiety and impaired mental health.
A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that 38% of survey respondents indicated that their stress levels rose throughout the holiday period. This increase in stress levels can cause physical illness, substance abuse, depression and anxiety. The survey respondents explained that this increase in stress is due to lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving and family gatherings.
A study conducted by NAMI revealed that for 64% of people with mental illness, the holiday period negatively impacts their mental health. The holiday season can be full of isolation, depression and anxiety for people coping with mental health challenges. The stress and added pressure to seem festive and cheerful can exacerbate preexisting challenges and conditions.
my four ways to Take Care of Yourself and Others this Holiday season
- Set reasonable expectations.
There are so many unrealistic expectations that society projects to have the perfect holiday, which are detrimental to our own expectations of what the holidays should look like. Make sure to remind yourself that whatever your holiday season looks like is fully normal and acceptable. Embrace your own unique holiday experience and remember it’s not supposed to be peaceful and perfect.
- Spread the holiday giving to yourself.
There is so much talk about giving to others throughout the holidays, but don’t forget about yourself; treat yourself throughout the holiday period. Buy yourself a present you have wanted, take yourself out for a delicious lunch, or just go get a relaxing manicure. Make sure to do things that bring YOU the holiday joy.
- Reach out to friends and others who might be lonely.
The holidays can be a difficult time for those without family and friends to celebrate. If you know of someone spending the holidays alone or having a rough time, reach out to them and check in. No one ever deserves to feel alone, especially during the holidays. Plus, by reaching out to others, you will increase your own fulfillment and happiness.
- Create and Respect Boundaries.
The holidays come with their own set of extra obligations and events. For some people the added responsibilities are exciting and fun, but if you are someone who gets overwhelmed create clear boundaries and set time aside for yourself. Explain to family members that you can spend the morning with them, but you need to take the afternoon for yourself. Set aside time for breaks throughout any holiday event that is stressful for you. If a certain holiday ritual or family member is too emotionally draining for you, excuse yourself.