Taking Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays

The holiday season evokes joy and anticipation in many as you envision family dinners, parties, and other festive gatherings. Although people often call it “the most wonderful time of the year,” the holidays can also cause stress, loneliness, and overwhelm for some. Prepare yourself for a fulfilling, peaceful holiday season by learning to take care of your mental health this time of year.

Despite all the warm and fuzzy feelings the holidays can bring, plenty of people struggle more during this season. If you or a loved one has concerns about your mental health going into the holidays, you can find the support you need at Promises Brazos Valley. We offer inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment in College Station. Call us at 979.426.0086 with questions or to enroll in one of our programs.

Mental Health and the Holidays: What You Should Know

What is it about the holidays that cause emotional distress for some people? While there’s not one specific reason that worsened mental health and the holidays are correlated, here are a few common factors.

Emotional Triggers

Grief and old hurts can arise as the holidays draw near. If you lost a loved one during the holidays, you’ll likely feel their absence during this time. Grief isn’t a linear process, so you might still be struggling with their loss each time the holidays roll around.

In other cases, some people have strained relationships with certain family members but must see them during the holidays. This can make gatherings uncomfortable for you and your loved ones.

Financial Worries

Plenty of people feel pressure to spend beyond their means for holiday gifts. Depending on the size of your family or the number of loved ones you buy presents for, the costs can add up quickly.

Even if your family opts out of exchanging gifts, there are still other expenses to consider during the holiday season. Traveling to see faraway family members, buying groceries for large holiday meals, and going out for celebrations at restaurants can all stretch your budget.

Substance Misuse 

Many holiday get-togethers include abundant wine, beer, and spirits to celebrate the occasion. If you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be tempting to imbibe to alleviate your emotional discomfort. And if you’re trying to quit drinking or are in recovery, being around alcohol can make it feel like an uphill battle.

Tips for Healthy Communication During the Holidays

Healthy communication is at the core of caring for your mental health during the holiday season. Here are some tips to strengthen communication with your loved ones and support your mental well-being:

• Practice active listening – Listening without interrupting can deepen your connection and reduce misunderstandings.
• Use “I” statements – Many holiday discussions get out of hand when people feel attacked or blamed. Using statements beginning with “I feel” helps you communicate your feelings assertively without placing blame on another.
• Focus on common ground – Whenever possible, try to set aside your differences during the holidays and find ways to relate to or bond with your loved ones.
• Express your needs – Communicate your boundaries in a kind manner. Some examples: If it’s impossible for you to be in the same room as another family member, ask your loved ones if you can arrange another time to see them. If your budget is tight, ask if you can skip the gift-giving tradition. If substance misuse is a concern, ask if your loved ones would be willing to hold an alcohol-free gathering.

In addition to these tips, actively prioritize your mental health during the holidays by enrolling in therapy. Whether you’re dealing with relationship problems, grief, loneliness, financial worries, or substance misuse, a therapist can be one of your greatest allies.

Get Support for Your Mental Health at Promises Brazos Valley

Get the help you need for your mental health to put an end to feelings of dread or anxiety around the holidays. Call Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 to begin mental health treatment at our College Station center, or fill out our online form, and we’ll help you schedule an appointment.