Mental Health Tips For The Holidays
It’s no surprise that this time of year can be tough for those dealing with mental illness or other struggles. It’s busy, filled with family and friends, overwhelming, filled with pressures, expensive and there are a profound number of expectations.
This time of year can heighten anxiety and increase depression and other symptoms associated with certain mental illnesses. It’s much easier to notice these increases this time of year due to the stresses of the holiday season, a renewed awareness of a loved one no longer with us, money issues associated with buying presents or just not being able to see certain loved ones during the holiday season. It’s because of these reasons that it’s even more important that we make very conscious efforts to look after our mental health.
Here are a few mental health tips to remember this Holiday season.
1. Be Open
If you are attending a family gathering or party, it might be a good idea to talk to those people in advance in order to give them a heads-up on how you’re feeling. Be honest with them, and tell them what you need. That allows them to better understand what to expect and how they are better able to make you feel more comfortable. This might help you feel less anxious about attending and allow you to open up and enjoy yourself more.
2. Ask for Help
If you are really struggling this time of year, try to avoid isolating yourself. This can be difficult to do, but try and talk to the support system you have. If they are unavailable, there are helplines that will be available for you to call if you need to talk to someone. There is always someone available to help.
3. Be Yourself
Don’t feel pressured to act a certain way. This time of year usually consists of people laughing, drinking, spending time with family and friends, attending parties, giving gifts and more. Do not feel pressured to participate in all of those things unless you absolutely want too. Don’t feel like you have to keep up with others or put up a front to feel welcomed. Be yourself.Your loved ones will have to understand.
4. Don’t Stretch Yourself Too Thin
Unfortunately, most people come from divorced families, which means more holiday gatherings. Do not feel the need to attend every single event hosted by a family member or even a friend for that matter. Choose 1 or 2 and stick too it. Oftentimes we stretch ourselves too thin in order to please other people. Put yourself first.
5. Speak Up
If you are in an uncomfortable situation, and you feel that you are able to speak up and ask for what you need from those around you, then do so. We understand that this takes courage, but your mental health is more important than ruining someone else’s fun.
6. Don’t Give More than You Can
This ties into #4, but from a financial standpoint. There can be so much pressure associated around giving gifts and spending tons of money each year around the Holiday season. Do not put yourself in a situation where you spend more than you can actually afford, but instead hand-make something. Not only is it more sentimental, but it’ll mean more than a store-bought gift.
7. Give Yourself Time-Outs
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and take a time-out. Whether that’s stepping outside and going for a short walk or lying down for a few minutes, make sure you’re giving yourself time to calm down and rest.
8. You Are Not Alone
If you don’t have friends and family this time of year, it’s natural to feel alone when those around you are spending time with their loved ones, but remember that you are not alone. There are local events and organizations you can get involved in that can be a great way to connect with others even beyond the Holiday season. Again, understand that there are helplines you can call as well if you need someone to talk to or even to point you in the right direction.
Do what’s best for you this Holiday season. Don’t feel guilty about doing what is right for you. Don’t feel as though you have to “fake it ’til you make it” in order to please others. Give yourself some grace. This is YOUR holiday too. Enjoy yourself, and remind yourself of that. Your mental health should always come first.
