The holidays can bring extra stress or anxiety during an otherwise festive time of year. That comes with temporary changes to day-to-day life and stressful family obligations.
The shorter and colder days can also affect those with seasonal affective disorder and worsen feelings of depression.
Michelle Martel is the chair of the University of Kentucky’s psychology department. She says it’s important to stick to a routine.
“To the extent that you can keep healthy sleep patterns, healthy diet patterns – you know, with maybe a few exceptions – regular exercise routine, regular overall routine, that can be helpful,” Martel said. “Any kind of exercise or exposure to sunlight when you're able to do that can be really, really good for combating seasonal mood problems. Reaching out in social ways can also be really helpful.”
It can also be a time of year that losses in the family can be felt more sharply.
Marte says trying something new can help lessen the negative feelings.
“Sometimes for the first few holidays after the loss, it can be helpful to try to maybe incorporate a new tradition or change it up a little bit, just so the memory isn't quite as poignant or so it doesn't feel quite as painful,” Martel said. “It’s even just as simple as changing the venue, or changing the dishes that you serve.”
Martel also recommends simplifying or taking a step back from stressful activities that might not be necessary to celebrate the holidays, like cooking big meals. She also recommends communicating with family members before gatherings if arguments are expected.
“I always encourage people to kind of leave those things at the door,” Martel said. And I think potentially having some ground rules around that, if you're concerned there’s going to be a contentious issue… making sure you have that understanding from the beginning and potentially having ways, distractions to change topics.”
Martel says to not be shy in reaching out to mental health or therapy resources. If you’re in a crisis, dial 911 or visit the emergency room.
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