Anxiety & Stress During the Holidays
sometimes you just need someone to listen
Is there a reason why holidays can be stressful?
As we gather with family and friends for the holidays, we seek peace and joy. But for some of us, it's a time of stress and depression. Too many expectations run head-on into visions of warmth and happiness. From shopping to caring for children and elderly parents, we are overwhelmed with demands.
This time of year is a common time for stress and depression. Many of us are reluctant to discuss our symptoms. Our suffering goes unnoticed.
Finding new ways to enjoy the season can be accomplished by understanding our stresses and worries. The importance of planning ahead cannot be overstated. Eventually, we will need help at a higher level when things still keep us down.
Holiday stress and depression are associated with:
How can we minimize stress? Choosing the right path starts with making the right choices. Don't let your healthy habits slip. Occasionally indulging is fine, but overdoing it only adds stress and guilt. Pre-party snacks should include healthy fruits, vegetables, and vitamins.
It may still be necessary for you to seek assistance, despite your best efforts. Do you experience stress or depression that lasts longer than two weeks? Does it affect your daily life, causing poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and thoughts of suicide or death?
It is important not to let these feelings linger and to see your doctor as soon as possible. We're here to listen when you're ready to talk. In some cases, reassurance is all that's needed, but in others, more assistance is needed.
You can discuss the appropriate course of action with your doctor. The holidays might be even more enjoyable than you imagined.
As we gather with family and friends for the holidays, we seek peace and joy. But for some of us, it's a time of stress and depression. Too many expectations run head-on into visions of warmth and happiness. From shopping to caring for children and elderly parents, we are overwhelmed with demands.
This time of year is a common time for stress and depression. Many of us are reluctant to discuss our symptoms. Our suffering goes unnoticed.
- Prepare for holiday stress by planning ahead
Finding new ways to enjoy the season can be accomplished by understanding our stresses and worries. The importance of planning ahead cannot be overstated. Eventually, we will need help at a higher level when things still keep us down.
Holiday stress and depression are associated with:
- Trying to please everyone by overspending on gifts
- Especially when gathered together, tensions are high
- Errands and obligations related to the holidays can exhaust you physically
How can we minimize stress? Choosing the right path starts with making the right choices. Don't let your healthy habits slip. Occasionally indulging is fine, but overdoing it only adds stress and guilt. Pre-party snacks should include healthy fruits, vegetables, and vitamins.
- Exercising
- It is helpful to schedule regular times for meetings.
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- The average adult needs six to eight hours of sleep per night.
- Having fun with friends is a great way to spend time
- It is important to understand that others may get upset when things go wrong. All of us experience holiday anxiety.
- Budget for the holidays. Be realistic about what you can afford. Giving to charity may be a better alternative to buying gifts.
- Make a shopping list, bake a cake, and schedule visits to friends using your calendar
- Avoid emotional impulse shopping and buying
- Make sure you plan your menu ahead of time and shop efficiently.
- Take a walk in the fresh air
- Winter's decreasing daylight has been shown to cause seasonal affective disorder, so spending time outdoors can help.
- Stress symptoms are important to pay attention to
It may still be necessary for you to seek assistance, despite your best efforts. Do you experience stress or depression that lasts longer than two weeks? Does it affect your daily life, causing poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and thoughts of suicide or death?
It is important not to let these feelings linger and to see your doctor as soon as possible. We're here to listen when you're ready to talk. In some cases, reassurance is all that's needed, but in others, more assistance is needed.
You can discuss the appropriate course of action with your doctor. The holidays might be even more enjoyable than you imagined.