Support your mental health during the holidays
As you navigate this holiday season, please remember that feelings of stress, sadness, loneliness, grief, among many other emotions are normal in our society.
I want to remind you that there are simple things you can do to address all of those emotions that help improve your mental health.
The holiday season can bring celebration and joy for many people, it can also bring a time of sadness, loneliness, grief, stress, etc., for others. It can often be especially challenging for anyone managing a mental health or mental illness condition.
Separation from loved ones, financial hardship, challenging relatives, society’s pressure to conform to the materialist aspect of the season, shorter daylight hours, can all contribute to some behavioral and psychological challenges.
During the holiday season remember that these feelings are common and stress can trigger symptoms of mental health conditions that are already present. Anxiety, depression, substance misuse, moods, can all become more symptomatic.
All of these issues can be addressed and you can feel better in managing it all. I want for you to be able to enjoy your holiday season, or at least be peaceful during it.
I am here to support you if you need it. Schedule your time with me at https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration/?therapistId=23A44F5EBEF441C8A7F8DC23FBAE9506
Call or text me at (843) 695-9974
Xiomara A. Sosa, BS, MA
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Licensed professional Counselor
Owner and Founder, Summerville Women’s Mental Health Studio
Here are some tips directly from an article written by Tanner Bommersbach, M.D., M.P.H., Policy Fellow, Center for Mental Health Services for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Strategies for supporting your mental health:
Pay attention to your feelings
Remember that it is okay to feel unhappy during the holidays. Recognizing your feelings is the first step to addressing and nurturing them.Develop a plan for when you are feeling stressed, sad, or lonely
This plan may include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, engaging in an activity that brings joy, or watching a favorite movie. Having a plan ahead of time can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable.Practice self-care
It is important to schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body. This may include reading a good book, working out, spending time in nature, and practicing stress management skills, such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. It is also important to remember to prioritize necessities, including eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and finding time for exercise.Connect with community
If you can’t be near loved ones during the holidays, finding a supportive community through clubs, support groups, community centers, local meetups, and faith communities can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Consider scheduling a regular phone call with family and friends as well.Support others
During this time of year feelings of grief and loss can amplify. Check in on loved ones who may be alone or struggling during the holiday season. Helping a friend or neighbor not only gives joy to others, but it can improve your own happiness and well-being.Recognize seasonal mood changes
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which people experience symptoms of depression that are triggered by the change in seasons as the days get shorter. While this form of depression often improves in the spring and summer, it is important to talk with your health care provider if you feel you are experiencing these symptoms. Treatment is effective and may include light therapy, antidepressant medication, and/or talk therapy.Avoid alcohol and drugs
For people in recovery, the holiday season presents challenges that can trigger the use of alcohol and drugs. Having a plan for navigating social events and feelings of loneliness, can reduce the risk of substance use. For family and friends, it is important to check in on those who may be struggling with substance use over the holidays.Know when to seek help
If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it is important to seek help and know that treatment is available. Below are free and confidential resources that can connect you with effective treatment and support.
They also listed some resources on how you can seek help if you need to:
You are not alone. Here’s how to seek help.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - A confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
FindSupport.gov — An online guide that helps people navigate through common questions when they are at the start of their journey to better behavioral health.
FindTreatment.gov — A confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — If you or someone you know needs support now, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Veterans Crisis Line — Reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Dial 988 then press 1.
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