The holiday season is thought to be a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, anxiety, stress, and depression can intensify during the holiday season. While some individuals experience happiness and connection during this time, others face significant emotional challenges. The expectation to buy gifts, host parties, or travel can strain individuals financially, leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, or worry about money. Many people feel pressured to meet heightened social expectations, such as attending events, organizing gatherings, or presenting a picture-perfect holiday experience. Balancing work, family obligations, shopping, and travel can leave little time for self-care or relaxation, leading to burnout and heightened stress.
For family caregivers who may have lost a loved one, the holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, or anger. If you have lost a loved one, you might be wondering how to cope with your grief this holiday season. This may be the first holiday without your loved one. The holidays can be a painful reminder of our losses. It brings back memories and thoughts of the good times we spent with our loved ones and that they are not here to spend it with us. While everyone else looks forward to the holidays, you may dread it. Be easy on yourself, especially if you recently lost a loved one. If you do not feel like celebrating, it is OK.
For those who are single, far from family, or experiencing strained relationships, the holidays can amplify feelings of loneliness and exclusion. Social gatherings can feel overwhelming or make individuals feel like outsiders. Social media can exacerbate feelings of isolation, as people often post highlights of their celebrations, leading others to compare their lives to seemingly perfect portrayals. The pressure to make everything "perfect" can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms. For example, anxiety about family dynamics, traveling, or preparing meals can create a sense of constant worry. For some, family gatherings bring up issues such as unresolved conflicts, judgment, or past trauma, all of which can lead to heightened anxiety during the holidays.
Learning to say no to overcommitment and setting realistic expectations for yourself and others can help reduce stress. Prioritizing rest, relaxation, and activities that bring joy or peace (like exercise, reading, or creative pursuits) can help balance the emotional toll of the season. Talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional about your feelings can help reduce the stigma around mental health struggles during the holidays. Support groups or therapy can also be beneficial. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage anxiety and stress. Taking moments for quiet reflection or journaling can also provide relief. Let’s be sensitive to those going through tough times during the holidays. Give them space and time to overcome their challenges. Let them know they are heard, seen, and loved. The greatest gift during the holidays and every day is LOVE.
Join us on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 7 pm for our monthly 45-minute Caregivers Support and Information Zoom. Presenter: Annmarie Franco, ICSW Program Manager, Behavioral Health. You are just a click away.www.comeoutreah.org Click on the event calendar/Let’s Talk
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