A Season of Joy and Stress "The Holiday Blues"

                                                   Holiday Blues

The holiday season can bring joy but may also come with unique challenges. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of people report increased stress during the holidays due to financial concerns, time constraints, pressure to create a perfect hioliday experience for others (Apa.org). Feelings of loneliness are often amplified for those grieving a loved one or estranged from family. Grief, loneliness, shorter days and reduced sunlight during the winter can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to seasonal changes.

Healthy Coping Strategies
The key to overcoming the holiday blues is proactive self care. Evidence-based strategies to help manage stress and nurture emoitonal well-being include

1. Setting Realistic Expectations by prioritzing what matters most to you and your loved ones.

2. Practicing Mindful Budgeting by creating a budget for gifts, decorations, and activities and sticking to it.

3. Practicing Self-Care by setting time aside for activities that help recharge you (exercising, journaling, meditating, yoga, etc.)

4. Staying Connected by reaching out to family, friends, or community groups. A few examples include volunteering, attending local events, or scheduling virtual calls.

5. Acknowleging your feelings. Give yourself permission to experience feelings of being overwhelmed, sadness, or lonliness and consider talking to a trusted family member, friend, or therapist about them.

6. Creating New Traditions can help you move forward. You can continue to honor past traditions but you may start hosting a small gathering, starting a fresh holiday ritual, or donating to a cause in a loved one's memory.

7. Seeking Professional Support. If the holiday blues persist or intensify, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy or counseling can provide tools to cope with your emotions. https://988lifeline.org/get-help/

Holiday blues are a reminder that this season is not universally joyful for everyone. However, it's possible to navigate the challenges and find moments of peace and happiness by taking steps to be proactive including managing stress, practicing self-care, and staying connected. Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is compassion and permission to priortize your well-being.

References
1. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Managing Holiday Stress. Retrieved from apa.org.

2. Gapeenko, Y. (n.d.) "Holiday scene; Featured Image." Retrieved from www.vecteezy.com on 12/16/2024

Mental Health Resources:

https://988lifeline.org/get-help/  

(If in a crisis call or text 9-8-8)

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is 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.