Mental Health and the Holidays

12/17/22

As the weather grows colder and the days grow shorter, the approaching holiday season can inspire a wide variety of complicated emotions.  For some, the impending festivities might garner anxiety and dread. Just the sheer amount of commitments and obligations surrounding this time of year alone are enough to inspire a spectrum of panic for many people. Not to mention the financial burden that the season may be for those that are struggling financially. With the combination of stagnating wages and ever-growing lists of presents to buy, it is easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed by the financial expectations of this time of year. It may be easy to feel as though no matter what, it is inevitable to let somebody down in some way. After all, there is only one you and many different expectations of you. Holidays often also necessitate extended periods of travel in what is typically the busiest time of year for mass transit.  Not to mention that the potential of seeing family, sometimes for the first time in a long while, can be a stressor for many. The anticipation of potentially having to answer difficult questions regarding work or relationships or the fear of being compared to relatives can be anxiety inducing, to say the least. On the flip side, the holidays can also be a lonely time. For those struggling with depression, the expectation to spend time with family and friends and participate can be overwhelming and daunting, and the desire to isolate may consequently become even stronger. Or perhaps someone has experienced a recent loss, and the festive merriment of the season can make a time of grieving that much more difficult to bear. Needless to say, there are many reasons why the holiday season might be a complicated time for many people, instead of a joyous one.

During this time of year, it is important to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the holidays to focus on yourself and your mental health. It is both impossible and unnecessary to be everything for everyone all of the time, despite what might seem like the constant expectation to always be available and reachable in this day and age. Remember to take stock of your own emotions and recognize your own limitations during this busy time. Setting boundaries is important, especially for those who may be struggling this holiday season. There is no shame in recognizing and respecting your own limits. If all of the obligations of this busy time of year are too overwhelming, then sometimes turning down plans may be warranted.

Luckily, there are several measures that one may implement to take stock of their emotions and take care of themselves during this stressful time of year. To start, setting clear boundaries and learning to say no may help to alleviate the emotional burden that the holidays can inspire. It also might be beneficial to speak to close family members and significant others regarding your personal limitations at this time of year. For example, if spending the holidays at your in-laws' house would be overwhelming and too much of a disruption to your life, then it is important to communicate that. Or, if you have been struggling emotionally during this time and a fully loaded social calendar is beyond your current scope of possibility, then it is important to make that known ahead of time to mitigate any potential conflict. Similarly, it is important to take note of your partner’s needs during this time as well so that you both may work together to ensure that you are on the same page. Establishing a routine may help you gain a sense of control during a hectic and stressful season.  By setting (and committing to) a daily routine, one might learn to tackle challenges little by little, and recognize what is and is not controllable. It may also provide structure and “anchor points” during times of chaos. Even the simplest of daily routines can be incredibly grounding during turbulent times. And finally, it may also be helpful to see a therapist, as a licensed, trained professional may be an excellent resource to help guide you through this difficult time.

While the holidays may be a difficult time for many for a wide variety of reasons, the emotional upheaval of the season can be manageable by following a few simple steps. Remember to recognize your limitations, set boundaries, and be communicative of your needs to those around you. Remember to take stock of your own emotions, and above all be kind to yourself this holiday season.

Author: Alexandria La Forge