The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations and social gatherings with family and friends. However, for a growing number of people the holiday season can also be filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness and anxiety.
Barbara Rachel, LCSW and clinical team leader at Counseling Services Inc., said much of the anxiety surrounding the holidays is based on expectations.
“We think we are expected to buy certain things, look a certain way and entertain. Often times we put these expectations on ourselves, not everyone can do it. In fact most people can’t.”
Financial stress, the loss of a friend or family member and the inability to be with loved ones during the holiday season can also contribute to stress and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
There are ways to deal with the added pressure of the holiday season, but be aware that not every means of coping works for everyone.
Rachel suggests trying some of the following tips.
• Ask yourself what the most important aspect of the holidays is?
• Do one activity that focuses on that aspect
• Make a list and prioritize it
• Pace yourself, you can’t do everything on your list in one day.
• If you begin to panic about not getting everything done, eliminate some items on your list. They won’t be missed
• Expect things to go wrong. It will make a great story for next year.
• Enjoy the present moment fully.
• Laugh a lot.
• And, last but not least, remember nobody is perfect, even when it appears they are.
Counseling Services, Inc. is a comprehensive mental health organization committed to offering easy access to a broad spectrum of high quality and affordable mental health, substance abuse and support services to more than 6000 adults and children annually in Southern Maine.
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