As we write this, the big year-end holidays are nearly upon us. Some people absolutely adore this time of year. They throw themselves into the cooking and baking, the present buying and wrapping, the get-togethers and the gift exchanges. They look forward to hearing holiday music everywhere they go and (if they live in the right climate) a covering of snow to set the scene just right.
Other folks find this time of year to be extremely challenging. Maybe they dread getting together with family because it always seems like an argument breaks out. Maybe they are worried about their budget and whether the presents they can afford will be well received. Maybe they have unresolved trauma related to past holiday seasons. And maybe they are struggling with the reduced amount of sunlight that is a hallmark of this time of year.
There are, of course, many, many people who fall somewhere in the middle. These folks like (or even love) some things about the holiday season but might dread others. They might find the holiday lovers too festive and the holiday haters too Grinchy.
No matter where you fall on the continuum of holiday lovers and haters, there is no denying that this part of the year can be a challenge for those who are dealing with a mental health disorder.
That is why we would like to suggest that the best gift you can give yourself as the holidays approach is a plan for managing the potential ups and downs of the season.
We have some ideas for strategies to include in your “handle the holidays” plan.
Stick With Your Successful Routines
The holiday season is filled to bursting with distractions and obligations that tend to upend our normal routines. Those regular routines, however, are often key to addressing a mental health disorder effectively.
During this time of year, we encourage you to keep doing the things that you have been doing to support your mental health. For example, if you are keeping a journal, stick with it. Practicing mindfulness? Keep it in the schedule. Committed to eating healthfully, sleeping restfully, and exercising regularly? Stick with those commitments (though you do not have to deny yourself the occasional holiday goody!).
There are two other routines to stick to that are even more important than those we have listed above. During the holiday season, you need to stick to your medication and therapy routines. The distractions of this part of the year can make it easy to forget to take your meds or to skip a therapy session. We urge you not to do either of those things. Neither will make your holiday season merry or bright.
Give Yourself Permission to Opt Out
The holidays can be filled with a dizzying array of activities. It can be easy to think you simply must participate in all of it so that you do not disappoint anyone or appear to be likely to shout “Bah! Humbug!” in defiance of all the festive fun.
Those feelings of obligation are understandable, but not necessarily helpful when it comes to your mental health. We suggest you give yourself permission to opt out of any activity that might negatively impact your mental health. That could mean deciding in advance that you will leave a family gathering if any arguments break out. It could mean deciding not to go to the office holiday party or participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange. It might mean avoiding crowded stores, late-night parties, or religious services that make you feel uncomfortable.
We should note that it is also the case that you should give yourself permission to opt in to things as well. On the fence about that office holiday party? You might decide to give it a go—knowing, of course, that you always have the option to leave if it just is not working for you. Opting in can lead to unexpected joys and is worth trying when you feel up to it.
You Can Have Your Own Traditions—Or No Traditions at All
The pressure of traditions can be heavy during holiday time. Your family or friends might expect you to participate in what they think are key parts of the holidays—even if you do not really want to because you find them stressful or hurtful in some way.
Remember that you can develop your own traditions or reject the idea of “mandatory” traditions entirely. Being attuned to what helps you maintain the firm foundations of your mental health is more important for your well-being than any given tradition could be.
Give Yourself the Gift of Effective Mental Health Treatment
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, no time of year feels especially festive. That makes effective mental health treatment one of the best gifts you can possibly give yourself—not just for the holidays, but any time at all.
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Peak View Behavioral Health can help you renew a sense of balance in your life. That, in turn, can help you embrace a spirit of hope about the future. When you are ready to make a change, the Peak View Behavioral Health team is ready to help you give yourself a lasting gift.
