With the holidays quickly approaching, things can sometimes feel overwhelming. This is especially true if there are a lot of things going on in your life. However, if you are suffering from an addiction or mental health disorder, the intensity of the holidays can often become unbearable. Whether you are dealing with stress, depression, or another disorder, remember that there are healthy ways to cope and manage your mental health throughout the holidays. A great starting point is making a list of your triggers and creating a plan to support yourself against them.
The Holiday Rush
We’ve all been there. The holidays are getting closer and you still have tons of shopping to do, events to attend, and lists to check off. Sometimes it feels like there are too many things to get done and just not enough time to do them. With all this in mind, it’s not hard to see how the holidays can become a very stressful time for many people. If you find yourself beginning to get overwhelmed, just remember to stop and breathe. Take a deep breath and relax. Remember that your health matters and that you can come back to doing holiday-related tasks when you are ready and able to.
Problems with Family
Sometimes problems with family and friends can make the holidays a difficult time, especially because there is so much pressure to come together and be near loved ones to celebrate. Relationships between family members may be strained, or there may be existing issues from the past that interfere with your ability to get along now. Repairing broken relationships, regaining trust, sharing happy moments, and opening the doors for forgiveness and fresh starts can be a good way to overcome problems that may stem from years of misunderstanding. Spending time with family can be emotionally (and even physically) exhausting, so be sure to give yourself alone time to recharge with calming activities that you enjoy. This can include watching your favorite movie, reading an interesting book, going for a quiet walk in nature, or whatever activity that helps you feel calm and centered.
High Expectations and Pressure
Sometimes we are held to high expectations from other people, such as family, friends, and loved ones. These expectations can be especially apparent around the holidays when you are supposed to show up to gatherings, provide gifts, look your best; the list goes on and on. This type of pressure can also create additional stress around this important time of year. If you find that high expectations have you overwhelmed, breathe, and stay calm. Take the time to reflect and be proud of how far you have come and the person you are becoming. Release any pressure that you may feel from outside sources.
Past Trauma or Bad Memories
Bad memories from past trauma can sometimes resurface during the holidays. When this happens, it can cause stress or harm mental health. Talking to someone may help and there are so many people willing to listen. Perhaps consider reaching out to your 12-step support system or attending a meeting. Struggling is tough, but you never have to go through it alone.
Strong Feelings and Emotions
Around the holidays, you may experience feelings of sadness, regret, remorse, guilt, anger, and confusion. These feelings can stem from a lot of different things, and pinpointing exactly where they are coming from can be difficult. Instead of trying to analyze why you are feeling a certain way, it might be best just to allow yourself to experience your full emotional process. Doing so allows you to release your emotions, creating space for you to focus on cultivating joy and happiness.
Financial Problems
The holidays can be a time of financial stress for many people. Not only do you have to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and bills, but you have the added pressure of buying gifts, attending events, and so on. If you find yourself stressing about money, try refocusing on the true meaning behind the holidays. Celebrating this time of year is about spending time with loved ones and creating memories! These are the things that people will remember.
Health Problems
Health problems can also be a source of stress during the holidays. Whether you’re struggling with pain, illness, or other health-related issues, these things can add extra stress to an already stressful time of year. Being proactive and seeking treatment as needed might help. Make your health a priority and take care of yourself, especially when faced with the stresses of the holiday.
If you are feeling stressed, trying to navigate the holidays while also maintaining your mental health, you are not alone. There are resources available that can provide you with the help you need to get through the holiday season. Promising Outlook is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, based in Riverside, California. We offer solutions for individuals struggling with things like substance abuse, anger management, and many other problems. At Promising Outlook, we treat people as individuals and recognize that everyone has different needs. Therefore, our treatment plans are specific to you, addressing your unique goals. We believe that everyone deserves a fresh start and we are here to help you take the first steps toward a better life. If you are in need of support with addiction or mental illness, please don’t hesitate to call Promising Outlook at (951) 783-2487.
