Lights are shining bright up and down the streets. The savory smell of Christmas tree pine is filling the air. Children giggle with anticipation. Family traditions are once again taken out storage boxes. These are just a few reasons why this holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year.
Being my first year at the Children's Home Society, I was able to experience some of the traditions they celebrate here. Staff playing Santa filling office stockings, the annual Christmas party, an abundance of donations, (a tree, stocking stuffers and warm hats, gloves and scarfs for the children). These new traditions have me taken back a bit. I am so amazed by the outpouring of camaraderie, donations, and community support we encounter here.
However, working an organization that offers a variety of progressive mental, emotional and behavioral health services, my eyes are now wide open to the common struggle of mental health. Mental health does not take a break from the holidays. In fact, it can put stress and anxiety into high gear. When we take time to reflect and take in all the holiday glory, it’s also a time to open our ears, eyes and hearts and be aware of those around us who might be struggling. Or if you are the one having a difficult time, reflect on yourself of what might be affecting you most this time of year.
I want to share some good reads and advice (by real professionals, not myself) to help get you and/or your loved though the holidays.
So here we go…
Look to see where you happiness might lie. It may be harder this time of the year, but if you reach down deep and change a negative feeling to a positive, you might find your joy. If you find difficulty in this, don’t do it alone, talk to a clinician or confidant. Resources are available.
“If you aren’t accustomed to feeling joy, volunteer to do simple acts of kindness, there are lots of places in your community that need volunteers during the holidays; pay a compliment, help someone with what they carry, thank a colleague and when you do, notice the smiles you receive and the positive emotions that you feel!”
Don’t isolate, engage. “If you feel the need to withdraw from social life and being around others during the holidays, don’t give in too completely to those feelings. Self-isolating can become a dangerous habit that gives you time to ruminate and focus on the negative feelings that you have—and the more you ruminate on unpleasant topics, the more depressed you are likely to feel."
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201912/not-everyone-enjoys-the-holidays
Celebrating is healthy. The trick is celebrating in a way that brings you joy and happiness, and not what others think you should be doing for the holidays. Don’t overwhelm yourself with celebrations or traditions that don't bring you happiness. Participate only in what brings you joy. This can be a time to reinvent your holiday.
“We need to celebrate and we need light.”
Post holiday blues. Christmas is over and you have rang in the New Year. Now what? The pressure of starting new year’s resolutions, family and friends have gone their separate ways, feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, life goes back to “normal”. The truth is that depression and suicide is heightened at this time.
"There’s been a myth that’s been perpetuated for decades that the risk of suicide goes up on Christmas Day. Recent widespread studies, though, have shown that the lead-in to Christmas and the following week are actually a protective factor that helps keep people safe for that period." (Hofstra, Elfeddali, Bakker,... van der Feltz-Cornelis, 2018).
So what can you do for yourself or for others that may be depression? What can you do to help those at risk? Check out these suggestions from Suzanne Degges-White Ph.D. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201812/suicide-risk-spikes-after-the-holidays
From holiday cheer to post holiday blues and everything in between, we all experience an overload of feelings. It can be exhausting. Whether it’s joy, excitement, stress, or depression, make sure to take this time to find your celebration. Don’t be alone. Remember this is just a small segment and hectic detour in your year. This time of the year also gives you an opportunity to reflect on the most wonderful time of the year, however you want to define. it.
Footnote: If you feel like you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call your mental health professional, go to an emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255).
