“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”
But what if it’s not? What if you’re like 2/3 of people already struggling who experience deteriorated emotional and mental health status in the holiday season? If this time of year is activating feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, or grief, you’re not alone. It’s okay if the holidays aren’t happy, and you can still find purpose and connection.
This month we’re exploring what to do when our holidays don’t meet the expectations we and the people around us place n them. After teaming up with our friends at StyleBlueprint to provide a few practical ways to embrace the holiday season without dismissing or diminishing what you’re really feeling, we knew it would beneficial to tap on a few members of our Clinical Team to unpack this topic, even further on a recent episode of the Living Centered Podcast.
Listen to the podcast episode, “Living Centered When The Holidays Aren’t Happy,” featuring Laurel Powell and Kara Leigh Prichard of the Onsite Clinical team.
Read “What to Do When the Holidays Aren’t Happy” from StyleBlueprint, here’s a teaser…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year … for some of us. The holidays actually aren’t everyone’s cup of cocoa. For some, it’s a time of nostalgia, traditions, and merriment. For others, it comes with heightened expectations and overwhelming feelings of stress, isolation, and even depression. Not to mention, not every family is the portrait of cheer, and the season can be a heavy reminder of toxic family dynamics or loved ones who have passed.
You’re not alone if you’re approaching this time of year with anxiety or heartache. We consulted the emotional wellness experts at Onsite for some insight into what we can do when the holidays aren’t happy.
If you’re anxious heading into the fall and winter holidays, you’re not alone.
Why are the holidays so tough on our mental health?
The holiday season doesn’t carry positive associations or memories for everyone. “The truth is, life’s hardships don’t always pause on behalf of our calendars,” says Laurel Powell, Onsite’s Clinical Coordinator Manager. “Many of us are walking through grief, loss, pain, and suffering — all while the season is supposed to be ‘merry and bright.’”
During such a concentrated time of social gatherings, financial pressure, and travel, the holiday hustle can be stressful and even bring about feelings of isolation and profound sadness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 64% of individuals with a mental illness feel their conditions worsen around the holidays. There are several significant factors at play…
Read the full article
Good, simple and practical advice for engaging with others during the Holidays – or any time of year. Thank you!