Managing Mental Health and the Holidays
The holidays can be a difficult time for many of us, whether it’s due to financial or professional stress, family conflicts, grief, and other contributing factors; or whether the holidays amplify our mental health struggles. Additionally, to the stress of the holidays themselves, there is also a level a significant influence which a new year can have on many of us and our mental health. Although the holidays can be a very joyful and pleasant time for some, it can also be a time where our mental health is challenged, due to the pressure which it can bring. For some, there is pressure to engage in certain holiday activities, such as drinking or gift giving, and for others, there is pressure to see people or face situations which cause dread and anxiety.
Navigating these challenging times can be extremely hard, especially during a time where it is ‘expected’ to bring joy and happiness. Although these times can be challenging to navigate, it is important to ensure we are staying aware of our mental health challenges, and utilizing different strategies and coping skills. Utilizing strategies such as:
Managing expectations, being aware of how you might be feeling and what can come from these feelings.
Practicing saying ‘no’ to anything that is beyond what you are willing to do; working on limiting pressure.
Taking time for yourself. Holiday blues exist, but they don’t last forever.
Face negativity the best way you can, stay focused on being positive as much as possible.
These are just a few ways we can work on limiting the stress and pressure which sometimes come from the holiday season. Ensuring we are understanding and identifying how we are feeling, we can begin to implement strategies that can help benefit us and help us better cope/manage the feelings we might be having. The pressures and worries that might come up during the holidays can look different for everyone. It is important to ensure we are being kind to ourselves, and are staying continuously focused on taking care of ourselves, and working towards limiting the pressures which might arise.
Though it can be difficult to prioritize our mental health during the holidays, it is important to ensure we are reminding ourselves that everyone’s experience can look different, and dealing with it in the healthiest way we can, is the most important thing to keep in mind.