| Tweet |
The holidays are supposed to be the “hap-hap-happiest” time of the year.
But with all of the shopping, the cleaning, the cooking, the wrapping, the decorating and myriad other “tasks,” the holidays can be the most stressful and anxiety-inducing time of
the year.
Illustration by Matt Anderson
“Our expectations are that the holidays are going to be blissful, like something you’d see in a Christmas movie,” said Victoria Busey, community outreach coordinator at the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Beaufort County. “But instead, they can be filled with anxiety, loneliness, grief and having to deal with relationships that are sometimes rocky.”
Busey said that even if someone has never been diagnosed with mental illness, it is not uncommon for people to feel anxious and experience a high level of stress during the holidays. That stress can result in feelings of anger, frustration, moodiness and/or sadness. It can also result in overtly physical symptoms, including frequent colds, headaches, insomnia, aches and pains, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat or loss of sex drive.
It’s often difficult to avoid holiday-induced stress because there are so many pressures that are difficult to avoid. While different coping strategies work for some people and not for others, experts recommend trying the following:
Take time to take care of yourself. “It is so important to really think about yourself and try to maintain the routine that you have year-round,” said Busey. “Make sure to not get too busy that your lifestyle changes. Exercise, eat right, keep appointments … try not to let the holidays completely take you over and consume you.”
Express yourself. Remember that it's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
Watch your finances. “If you’re feeling depressed because you don’t have the money to give gifts, remember what the holidays really mean,” said Busey. “And remember, making a batch of cookies for others can be just as, if not more, meaningful.”
Reach out. If you can’t visit family or friends over the holidays and are expecting to be alone, call friends or seek out community, religious or other social events.
Do something for someone. Volunteering your time to help others is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. There are tons of nonprofits that need help. See pages 58-64 for a list of local charities.
Be realistic. If you’re one of those people who fantasize about the perfect family, remember that no one has the perfect family. Busey advises that during the holidays it’s helpful to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. “Try to understand that Christmas Day, for instance, is not the day you’re going to change them,” she said. “Think instead about the people you are looking forward to seeing.”
Be understanding. If friends or family are upset or distressed when something goes wrong over the holidays, chances are they're feeling stressed out, too.
Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores, according to the Mayo Clinic. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
By Sally Mahan
