Why are the holidays so hard?
Many people feel more on edge during the Christmas season. It’s okay. There are greater demands on many adults and children are on totally different schedules. Being around family can cause more feelings of depression or anxiety to spike, or the intensity of the season may cause you to feel the pull of alcohol or other harmful soothing techniques.
Am I the only one?
No, although you may be the only person in your circle of friends or family who deal with your particular struggles, like abuse of alcohol or a particular mental health symptom (i.e. depression). Finding a group to talk with others who deal with the same issue may be a healing experience and a place where you can freely share about that issue. It sounds scary at first, but once you build up relationships in a group setting it will provide you with great insight and be a source for healing and understanding.
Does counseling help? Can I be seen immediately if I have a pressing issue?
Counseling is for the purpose of supporting people in times of need. So reach out and you and a counselor can discuss with you a plan that fits. Even if all you can commit to is one or two sessions, it may help you to feel more able to manage a difficult situation at home. Sometimes we have a short wait list, but often we are able to help within the same week.
Any other ideas on how to survive the next few weeks of grief/depression/anxiety/addiction issues/eating disorder/etc?
Journal your thoughts each morning and night for five minutes. Allow for it to be a time that you center yourself. Often our feelings are masked and we react rather than respond. If you find there is a theme (anger/shame/loneliness/etc) you may be able to recognize it more easily as it is happening throughout the day rather than seeking out things to cover it up. And of course, it’s always helpful to have a 20-30 minute period to workout each day to get your endorphins increased and help ease your emotional stress.
We hope you have a blessed holiday season. We know that it is a time of joy for some, and a time of grief and great difficulty for others.
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